HYSYS Optimizer

Ahmad M. Mokhtar
2016
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 HYSYS Optimizer

 Introduction: -
Optimization, in general, can be defined as the process, or methodology of making something (as a design,
system, or decision) as fully perfect, functional, or effective as possible; specifically: the mathematical
procedures (as finding the maximum of a function) involved in this.
That’s mean, we try - in optimization - to find the operating conditions which minimize (or maximize) an
Objective Function. This objective function expresses (Mathematically) the intended purpose behind the
process of Optimization.
For example, if we want to achieve the highest profit, it means that we want to reach the perfect (Optimum)
value of the operating conditions which achieve the highest profit without affecting the required quality thus,
the Objective function here is the equation that expresses the profit, any variable whose values are
manipulated in order to minimize (or maximize) the objective function are called Primary Variable, and
the required quality specification is a Constrain on the extent of change in the allowable values of the
variables.
So, Objective Function is created by studying the whole process with its all variables, conditions, and
constrains, and studying their relation with the desired goal of the optimization process.
HYSYS contains a multi-variable steady state Optimizer, the object-oriented design of HYSYS makes the
Optimizer extremely powerful, since it has access to a wide range of process variables for your optimization
study.

 To access the Optimizers:

 Select the Home ribbon tab | Analysis section | Optimizer icon.
or
 Press F5.
Use the Configuration tab of the Optimizer to select the Optimizer mode you want to run.

Notes:
- There’re many different models of optimization, each differ in the method and algorithm that is used
in solving the optimization, we will go through the default model which is the “Original” model.

- The Optimizer is available for steady state calculations only. The operation does not run in Dynamic
mode.

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 Setting up Original Optimizer: -

After choosing the optimizer model, we need to setup our optimizer before pressing “start” for starting the
solver of the optimization. The setup process goes through different steps in different tabs in the optimizer
window, we will discuss each one with details in the following sections.
• The Variables Tab:
On the Variables tab, you can import the primary variables which minimize or maximize the objective
function. Any process variable that is modifiable (user-specified) can be used as a primary variable. (Only
user-specified variables can be used as Primary Variables.)

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Each primary variable has the following values:

- Low Bound: The Lowest value that optimizer can assign for the variable for solution.
- High Bound: The Highest value that optimizer can assign for the variable for solution.
- Current Value: The Current used value for the variable in the simulation.
In general, the primary variables should not be part of the Objective Function.

• The Functions Tab:

In the functions tab we specify the following (according to the above numbering in the picture):
1- Specify the cell in the Spreadsheet that represent the Objective Function.
2- Choose whether we need to maximize or minimize that objective function.
3- Specify the cells in the Spreadsheet that represent the Constrains Function.
Any constrain function is represented in the form of
Left hand side condition Right Hand Side
a. Click Add to add a new constrain. (a new constrain row will be added).
b. Under LHS Cell, select the cell from the spreadsheet that represent the Left side of the
constrain function.
c. Under Cond, select the proper condition between the right side and left side (e.g. >, =, <)
d. Under RHS Cell, select the cell from the spreadsheet that represent the Right side of the
constrain function.

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The Optimizer Spreadsheet

It’s clear from the above sequences that in the functions tab we don’t create the functions (objective or
constrains) in that tab instead, we just select a Cell in the spreadsheet which has the function created in it.
For that reason, we must go through the spreadsheet to know how to build our functions before continue
with the remaining Optimizer Tabs.
The Optimizer's Spreadsheet is identical to the HYSYS Spreadsheet operation; process variables can be
attached by dragging and dropping, or using the Variable Navigator. Once the necessary process variables
are connected to the Spreadsheet, you can construct the Objective Function and any constraints using the
standard syntax.
We can access the Optimizer’s spreadsheet by clicking the “SpreadSheet” button that locate in the bottom of
each tab of the optimizer.

→ Connections Tab:

You can import virtually any variable in the simulation into the Spreadsheet, and you can export a cell's
value to any specifiable field in your simulation.
There are two methods of importing and exporting variables to and from the Spreadsheet:
1. Using the Variable Navigator:
a. On the Connections tab, click the Add Import or Add Export button.
b. Then using the Variable Navigator, select the variable you want to import or export.
2. Dragging Variables:
Simply right-click the variable value you want to import, and drag it to the desired location in
the Spreadsheet. If you are exporting the variable, drag it from the Spreadsheet to an
appropriate location.

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After importing variables, In the Cell column, type or select from the drop-down list the Spreadsheet cell to
be connected to that variable. When you move to the Spreadsheet tab, that variable appears in the cell you
specified. (see previous figure).

→ Parameters Tab:
On the Parameters tab of the Spreadsheet property view, you can set the dimensions of the Spreadsheet and
choose a Unit Set.

→ Formulas Tab:
The Formulas tab displays a summary of all the formulas included in your spreadsheet. The table lists the
name of the cell the formula is located in, the formula and the result of the formula.

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→ SpreadSheet Tab:
The Spreadsheet tab is similar to conventional Spreadsheets (e.g. MS Excel).

The Current Cell group displays information specific to the contents of the highlighted cell.
- If the Cell contain an imported value: The object and variable from which the contents of the
current cell were imported are shown. You cannot change the Variable name, since it is a HYSYS
default.

- If the Cell contain a specifiable value: The Variable Type and Variable Name are shown. You can
choose a new Variable Type from the drop-down list, and you can edit the Variable name.

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The HYSYS Spreadsheet has extensive mathematical and logical function capability.

The Available Expressions and Functions property view contains the following tabs:
- Mathematical Expressions
- Logical Expressions
- Mathematical Functions
Note: All functions must be preceded by “+” (straight math) or “@” (special functions like logarithmic,
trigonometric, logical, and so forth).

To view the available Spreadsheet Functions and Expressions, click the Function Help button to open the
Available Expressions and Functions property view.

Most Common Used Operations

Addition Use the “+” symbol.

Subtraction Use the "-" symbol.

Multiplication Use the “*” symbol.

Division Use the “/” symbol.

Absolute Value “@Abs”.

Power Use the “^” symbol. Example: +3^3 = 27

Square Root "@SQRT". Example: @sqrt(16) = 4

Pi Simply enter "+pi" to represent the number 3.1415...

sin @sin()
cos @cos()
tan @tan()
sinh @sinh()
cosh @cosh()
tanh @tanh()
Ln @ln()
Log @log()
Exponential @exp()
Absolute Value @ABS()

Now, back to the Optimizer by closing the SpreadSheet window…

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• The Parameters Tab:

The Parameters tab is used for selecting the Optimization Scheme and defining associated parameters.

Summary of the Optimizer Schemes

Calculates
Unconstrained Constrained Problems: Constrained Problems:
Method Derivatives
Problems Inequality Equality

BOX X X

Mixed X X X
SQP X X X X

Fletcher-
X X
Reeves

Quasi-
X X
Newton

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• The Monitor Tab:

The Monitor tab displays the values of the objective function, primary variables, and constraint functions
during the Optimizer calculations. New information is updated only when there is an improvement in the
value of the Objective Function. The constraint values are positive if inequality constraints are satisfied and
negative if inequality constraints are not satisfied.

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