Abstract: Multistream heat exchanger (MHEX) has attracted attention in the process intensification field with its compact structure, high efficiency and low heat loss. However, the potential advantages of its process and equipment are still worth discussing. An improved State-space superstructure based on MHEXs process operator (PO) was proposed to convert the network synthesis into a super-exchanger design. Hierarchy matching MHEXs PO was constructed, and the strict heat transfer calculation among multiple streams was implemented through temperature coordinated effect between adjacent streams. Arbitrary splitting and mixing of any stream was achieved by corresponding mixers and splitters in distribution network (DN). The objective function was ameliorated by taking heat loss into consideration. Through introducing the cost of heat loss and thermal insulation material, the external surface envelope advantage of MHEX was presented clearly owing to coverage between adjacent heat-transfer surfaces. Then, a corresponding nonlinear programming (NLP) mathematical model was formulated for generating the optimal design of MHEXs network while synthesizing the utilities, equipment investment, heat loss and thermal insulation material simultaneously. At last, four case studies were performed to verify the feasibility and superiority of the methodology.

Key words: heat transfer, multistream exchanger, state-space superstructure, model, optimal design, systems engineering

摘要： 多流股换热器以其结构紧凑、高效低耗等特点，成为过程强化研究的热门领域，但对于多流股换热的过程与设备优势所在仍然值得商榷。基于多流股换热匹配改进状态空间超级结构，将多流股换热网络综合转化为超级换热器设计。首先，构造级联多流股换热器匹配过程操作算子，通过相邻换热流股匹配，传递温位效应，实现多流股间传热严格计算；借助热容流率混合分配机制，实现各流股间任意分混操作。然后，考虑散热因素，改进目标函数，引入冷热损失和保温材料费用项，清晰体现多流股换热器因换热面互相覆盖而带来的外表面封包优势。进而，建立相应非线性数学规划模型，实现公用工程、设备投资、冷热损耗同步优化。最终，通过文献示例对所提方法可行性与优越性进行验证。

关键词: 传热, 多流股换热器, 状态空间超级结构, 模型, 优化设计, 系统工程