Optimality of Process Networks.*

AbstractIn this paper we show that conservation laws for extensive quantities and the second law of thermodynamics lead to conditions for stability and optimality of a process network. Interconnections among nodes are represented through connectivity matrices and network graphs. A generalized version of Tellegen's theorem from electrical circuit theory plays a central role in deriving the objective function of the regarded dynamic process networks. The application of irreversible thermodynamics lead to stability and optimality results based on the co-content and content of the regarded process networks. The principle is illustrated in a pipeflow example.