Arranging micro-structured equipment to plants whole production processes can be realized with maximum efficiency in tightest space. Unit operations are thereby represented as individual functional modules in shape of micro devices. In a multi unit operation plant a correspondingly large number of manipulable variables have to be coordinated. Due to the design of micro-scaled devices plants form sophisticated systems, while for a fully optimized control still no common satisfying solutions exist. A system of modular, discontinuous phase contacting, micro rectification consists of unit operations heating, cooling, mixing and separating. Heat exchangers, mixers and cyclones for phase separation can be arranged to a counter-current rectification system with maximum mass-transfer efficiency every unit. Operating an electrical heated evaporator for modular rectification purposes a strong coupling of mass flow with the vapor fraction and the outlet temperature can be observed [4]. Operating at a predefined state for mass flow, temperature and vapor fraction may only be possible with difficulties using traditional methods of linear control technology. For dynamic optimization of the multivariable micro-structured evaporator principle of Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) was generically formulated in C++ and implemented to LABVIEW 7. Every discrete time step an objective function is generated from nonlinear process models in the form of grouped NARX-polynomials. Optimal sequences of control actions for plant operation are evolved. The resulting constrained cost function is non-convex making detection of relative local optimum a difficult task. This obstacle can be gone around using heuristic optimization algorithm in combination with traditional techniques. Based on experimental results it was demonstrated that NMPC keeps the coupled variables mass flow and temperature energy saving with minimal control activity in the entire two-phase region on their set-points.
wird dabei analog zum gerührten Kessel durch unterschiedliche Glycerinkonzentrationen eingestellt.Es wurden Mischexperimente in einem mikrostrukturierten Bauteil bei Gesamtmassenströmen zwischen 4 und 28 kg/h und Viskositäten zwischen 1,0 und 8,2 mPas durchgeführt. Details zum Mischer (s100-12foils) finden sich in einer neueren Veröffentlichung [2]. Es wird gezeigt, dass sich die Nebenproduktausbeute in diesem Parameterbereich über der Reynoldszahl skalieren lässt.
In the present work novel microstructures are developed and studied by means of analytical and numerical methods. These microstructures form part of a demonstration microdevice to carry out a distillation without chemical reaction, two for the liquid and gaseous phase distribution/collection, and one for the liquid/gas mass transfer (“μTU-I,-II”). A solution for the 3D velocity field for the velocity component w in flow direction can be given for the rectangular and semicircular microchannel by using a lubrication approximation which gives good realistic values for the Reynolds number at low flow rates comparing to the common 2D approaches. The μTU-I is studied using the CFD code (6.3 FLUENT ® - 3ddp) by the approach of the VOF model. The simulations are performed with the test system methanol/water (distillation). By varying the flow rates of both phases and the contact angle, the condition until the occurrence of flooding of the microunit “μTU-I” is determined. The flooding and the optimum operating conditions of a new optimized configuration “μTU-II” -microunit are also investigated by means of numerical simulation (CFD). It can be shown that longitudinal instability is generated. Based on several concepts for liquid and gaseous phase distribution/collection by the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, novel microstructures (“Liquid-Distribution-Collection-Microstructure”, “Vapor-Distribution-Collection-Microstructure”) for both phases are developed, studied and optimized by using CFD. The results of all studies are verified based on the demonstration device in the laboratory.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.