A Decomposition Based Algorithm for the Design of Multipurpose Batch Facilities Using Economic Assessments

摘要

In this paper we propose a multi-objective decomposition algorithm for the design of multipurpose batch plants, which avoids the direct solution of the fully detailed MILP model. Most of such design problems involve the maximization of the total revenue, as well as the minimization of the total cost. The way to deal with these two terms simultaneously is either to combine them into a single criterion (e.g., profit), or to define the efficient frontier that offers the optimal solutions by multi-objective optimization. In this work the latter approach, while more elaborate, was adopted, since the exploration of this frontier enables the decision maker to evaluate different alternative solutions. A combination of the proposed decomposition algorithm and the ε-constraint method is employed, which supports the application of this approach to perform economic assessments. The proposed algorithm allows the identification of the plant topologies, scheduling, equipment design and storage policies, subject to the plant's cost minimization and revenue maximization. A comparative analysis is presented between the detailed model proposed by Pinto et al. (2008b) and the proposed algorithm.