Analysis of Heat Exchanger Networks for Minimum Total Annual Cost (TAC) Using Pinch Analysis.

Abstract

This study presents pinch analysis of some heat exchanger networks (HENs) problems using Hint integration software to analyze heat exchanger networks (HENs) problems. Three example reported to have been solved using different approaches by various researchers to obtain the least possible total annual cost (TAC ) was solved using HINT software and results obtained is presented. It shows that this approach was the best in solving problem example 2 and 3 type and second best for problem example 1. However, it is observed in this study that reduction in piping cost in absence of split does not necessarily translate into the lowest (TAC). The overall assessment of the various approach to solve this problem shows that HINT has proven to be the best in handling different kind of heat exchanger network problem aimed at minimizing total annual cost.