Optimization-based design of reactive distillation columns using a memetic algorithm

摘要

This contribution deals with the optimization of the design of reactive distillationrncolumns by using a memetic algorithm (MA) which is a combination of an evolutionrnstrategy (ES) and a mathematical programming (MP) solver. The focus of this paper isrnon the restriction on the number of feed trays that introduces discrete variables into thernproblem formulation. The optimization of the number and of the location of the feedrnstreams is addressed by the EA which can deal with discontinuous cost functions andrnintegrality constraints. A minimization of the number of feed streams is achieved byrnadding penalties to the fitness function of the EA. The results of the new approach arerncompared to the results of the optimization without restriction on and the minimizationrnof the number of feed streams.