| This work is the result of the application of nonlinear programming techniques to the optimization of engineering systems. The emphasis is on process optimization using process simulators, but a number of the concepts and guidelines developed here are applicable to other engineering systems as well.; There are two useful products resulting from this work. The first is a computer program, UKOPT, that optimizes power plants and coal conversion processes. It has been applied to, and developed using, advanced power generation concepts (combined cycles and cogeneration systems, for example) and coal conversion processes, often integrated with one another (e.g., integrated coal gasification combined cycles, AFBC based cycles). Hence, the program can be used for the design of power plants, or coal conversion processes integrated with power plants. However, since it uses a process simulator for evaluation of the performance measure being optimized, UKOPT can be used for optimizing any process that can be simulated on a process simulator, after appropriate modifications have been made.; The second useful part of this work is a compilation of observations, experiences and guidelines for the optimization of engineering systems. These include studies on (i) the efficacy of various optimization methods when applied to process optimization; (ii) handling discrete variables and discontinuous and inexact function values; (iii) techniques for global optimization; (iv) configuration optimization; (v) mathematical manipulations such as scaling and penalty functions; and (vi) techniques for reducing computation time. The program UKOPT incorporates most of the guidelines developed.; The observations and guidelines comprising the second part of this work take on added significance because of their potential application to all engineering systems, whether they be power plants, electric circuits, chemical reactors, or systems requiring stress analysis. Some of these applications are demonstrated by means of examples. |
