Dynamic simulation of heat exchanger network (HEN) using python
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Date
2019-06
Authors
Lee, Yong Xin
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Abstract
Heat exchanger network (HEN) is gaining its importance in every single chemical
industrial plant worldwide. This is due to it is designed for the reduction in energy
consumption which leading to a saving in the operational cost and contributes to a greener
environment. Thus, it is very crucial to understand the dynamic behavior of the heat
exchanger and the relationship between the heat exchangers present in the particular HEN.
By introducing Python as an open source platform to allow the simulation of HEN without
the need of a license will be greatly helpful in helping the student to understand the basic
concept of HEN. In this work, HEN model was developed based on the energy balance
mathematical model. The model was simulated in Python using ODEINT function
imported from Scipy library.
The simulated results from the developed HEN model were validated with the
values stated in literature and the Microsoft Excel numerical calculation for both steady
state and dynamic conditions. The sensitivity analysis on the same model showed that
both inlet mass flow rate and inlet temperature of the streams had effect towards the final
temperature of the streams based on the configuration of HEN. Any changes in both
Stream H2 and C1 had effected the whole HEN but Stream H1 did not. However, the
changes in the inlet temperature of the streams had a slightly higher effect than those in
the inlet mass flow rate of the streams.