Exhaustive Generation of the Complete Multidimensional Pareto Front for Multi-Objective Process Network Synthesis

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 121

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 157-162

Description:

In sustainable systems design, optimizing complex process networks often involves multiple conflicting objectives, such as minimizing cost, reducing environmental impact, and maximizing performance. Traditional single-objective optimization methods frequently fail to address this complexity, resulting in suboptimal and inflexible solutions. This study focuses on a comprehensive approach to multi-objective optimization for a single fixed process structure, where all integer decisions are predetermined through a prior process synthesis phase, such as the Solution Structure Generator algorithm from the P-graph framework. The remaining task involves optimizing continuous parameters—specifically, the operational volumes within the network—to generate the complete Pareto front, representing all non-dominated solutions. Each objective function is assumed to be a linear function of operational volumes, allowing for a scalable mathematical formulation. An algorithmic framework is developed to address the challenges associated with generating infinite-point Pareto fronts in high-dimensional spaces, incorporating genetic algorithms, machine learning models, and the P-graph methodology. This hybrid approach supports dynamic adaptation to changing data and improves computational efficiency. The methodology is demonstrated through a case study. The example highlights how balancing cost and environmental criteria using Pareto optimal solutions leads to more sustainable system designs. Ultimately, this work underscores the practical importance of generating and evaluating the complete set of Pareto optimal solutions in sustainable system design. Moving beyond a single optimal configuration, the proposed methodology offers robust decision support across diverse industrial applications, bridging the gap between theoretical optimality and real-world implementation.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET25121027

Authors - 3