Reevaluation of optimal turbine/motor process drivers selection concept proposed by Wu et al. (2016)

摘要

We respond to the article "Multi-objective optimization for design of a steam system with drivers option in process industries", published in the Journal of Cleaner Production by Wu et al. (2016), (http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.04.067). Our aim is to show that a number of incorrect assumptions employed in the analysis methodology together with many inconsistencies, discrepancies and calculation errors led to invalid results and conclusions. The most important scientific flaws included: 1. Omission of varying system complexity impact on optimization approach; 2. Application of several incorrect equations; 3. Mismatch in steam mass and heat balances; 4. Assumption of fixed high and middle pressure steam parameters, independent on system operation; 5. Omission of exported steam value in the optimization procedure. Article of Wu et al. (2016) could provide misleading input when future investment or revamp decisions are made. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.