An Economic Approach To Study & Optimization of Helium liquefier

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Mahmoudabad Bozchelou, Mohammad Amin | 2018

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Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
Language: Farsi
Document No: 50975 (01)
University: Sharif University of Technology
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Afshin, Hossein
Abstract:
Gas liquefaction is one of the main applications of Cryogenics science. Due to the unique properties of Helium, it is a strategic product in the world. Therefore, appropriate and applicable analysis should be used to investigate and optimize the Helium liquefaction cycles. In the current study, the goal is to find the optimal point with the help of energy and exergy analysis based on economic criterion, for the various parameters of Collins’ cycle. In order to simulate the cycle, a computer code is developed. First, sensitivity analysis of different parameters affecting the exergy efficiency and liquid fraction of the cycle has been done. Then, Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm have been used to reach the optimum point of the cycle. The results indicate that the Collins’ cycle with 4 stages of pre-cooling in the cold-box section, has the maximum exergy efficiency of 40.32%, maximum liquid fraction of 9.98% and maximum economic profitability of 36 million dollars. These values have increased by 60%, 50% and 40% respectively compared to the Collins’ cycle with 2 stages of pre-cooling
Keywords:
Optimization ; Exergy Efficiency ; Helium Gas ; Economic Analysis ; Liquefaction Cycles ; Collins Cycle