Optimisation of refrigeration processes by stochastic methods.
Q. Tuan Pham, S.J. Lovatt · 1996
Recent progresses in computer hardware and in optimisation methods have considerably widened the range of problems that can be optimised and the sophistication of the mathematical models. Modern minimisation methods such as evolutionary optimisation and simulated annealing, in conjunction with faster computers, are getting better in handling uncertainties and errors, in finding global optima and in coping with large problems. As examples, three food refrigeration processes are mathematically optimised using a novel evolutionary method. A carton thawing process is designed to ensure complete thawing combined with minimal microbial risk. A beef chilling process was designed to ensure maximum tenderness and the attainment of a 7°C deep leg temperature within a fixed period, while an alternative chilling process ensures that potential microbial growth does not exceed three generations. 1 In today’s competitive atmosphere, optimisation is essential to the survival and profitability of all industrial operations. Recent progresses in computer hardware and in mathematical optimisation methods have considerably widened the range of problems that can be optimised and the