Optimal design of integrated batch production and utility systems

Production systems are commonly designed without considering the required utility system. Only subsequently, the utility system is designed for the given production system. This sequential treatment typically results in suboptimal solutions, in particular, for batch systems where the energy demand varies with time. Thus, we propose a method for the optimal design of integrated batch production and utility systems, which covers decisions on the system structure, component sizing and scheduling of both production and utility system. The method integrates superstructure MILP models of a utility system and a production system. For two case studies from literature, the simultaneous design and scheduling of the integrated system is beneficial and shown to reduce cost and increase profit by more than 5.4%. Our analysis indicates that the benefits of the proposed method increase for industry sectors with high share of energy costs. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.