(363m) Continuous and Discrete Control of Flow Networks
AIChE Annual Meeting
2022
2022 Annual Meeting
Computing and Systems Technology Division
Interactive Session: Systems and Process Control
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 - 3:30pm to 5:00pm
We begin the analysis using a three-pipe network, making the problem easy to define and, at the same time, capturing certain critical elements from the behavior of a general network. Analytical results are derived for the unconstrained network optimization problem, and numerical solutions are presented for constrained (more realistic) scenarios. This is followed by the analysis of the performance of a real-world network with either type of valve. Finally, we present the analytical results for a larger class of networks that is a generalization of the results identified for the three-pipe network.
The results highlight the role of network topology in the variations in time required for transporting water. An extension of the results also throws light on the optimal and selfish operation of a network with continuous control valves.