Metaheuristic optimization of double flash based combined heat and power system by using process simulator as black-box function generator

The energy crisis in Europe has increased the importance of energy alternatives to hydrocarbons. For example, geothermal resources have long been proven to be very efficient heat sources for conventional power cycles. To get the maximum benefit from such a system, it is essential to carefully optimize the system parameters. On the other hand, the topology and nonlinear nature of the system prevent it from being expressed as an analytical function and being differentiable. Thus, derivative-based deterministic optimization methods are difficult to apply. In this study, it is proposed to model a geothermal-based dual-flash combined heat and power system in a process simulator and use it as a black-box function generator to calculate the values of the objective and constraint functions. The system parameters that will provide the maximum combined heat and power efficiency are determined by the Genetic Algorithm. Accordingly, with the optimum system design, the total net turbine power is 132.78 kW. The amount of heat utilized is 15020.10 kW.