Scheduling of Energy-Integrated Batch Process Systems Using a Pattern-Based Framework

• Main Authors: Sujit Suresh Jogwar, Shrikant Mete, Channamallikarjun S. Mathpati
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-02-01
• Series: Processes
• Subjects: batch scheduling; energy integration; mixed-integer optimization; patterns
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/7/2/103

In this paper, a novel pattern-based method is developed for the generation of optimal schedules for energy-integrated batch process systems. The proposed methodology is based on the analysis of available schedules for the identification of repetitive patterns. It is shown that optimal schedules of energy-integrated batch processes are composed of several repeating sections (or building blocks), and their sizes and relative positions are dependent on the scheduling horizon and constraints. Based on such a decomposition, the proposed pattern-based algorithm generates an optimal schedule by computing the number and sequence of these blocks. The framework is then integrated with rigorous optimization-based approach wherein it is shown that the learning from the pattern-based solution significantly improves the performance of rigorous optimization. The main advantage of the pattern-based method is the significant reduction in computational time required to solve large scheduling problems, thus enabling the possibility of on-line rescheduling. Three literature examples were considered to demonstrate the presence of repeating patterns in optimal schedules of energy-integrated batch systems. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology was illustrated using an integrated reactor-separator system.