Application of Computer Simulation to the Multidimensional Profit Optimization for the Paper Production Process, Taking into Account Thermal and Electrical Energy Consumption

The paper presents the results of the optimization of the paper production process as a function of paper grade, basis weight and key operating parameters of paper machines, wire speed Vs and reel speed Vn, using computer simulation. Based on empirical data from 2015 to 2020, the analysis accounts for web breaks, downtimes, and grade changes, all of which affect production continuity and the operation of the plant’s combined heat and power (CHP) system supplying thermal and electrical energy. Production interruptions reduce CHP stability; therefore, the optimization criterion was profit maximization, including energy-related effects associated with forecasting the availability of surplus energy for sale when participating in the capacity market. The results were compared with those obtained using numerical taxonomy methods, which confirmed the effectiveness of their application to the problem under consideration.