Compromise: An Effective Approach for Solving Multiobjective Thermal Design Problems

In this paper, the application of the compromise Decision Support Problem Technique to the design of a Rankine power cycle to be used in a solar powered irrigation system is described. The system consists of a solar collector cycle coupled with a simple Rankine cycle. The uniqueness or the present approach lies in the interfacing of the thermal system simulation routines with a multi-objective optimization algorithm1.2, as opposed to the traditional iterative design procedure. The problem, though simple in a mathematical sense, is complete in that it is representative of the complexities associated with the design or thermal systems dealing with thermodynamic property changes.