Combining game theory and evolutionary algorithms for optimizing hybrid RDWC–pervaporation–vapor permeation process equipped with solar heating system

A new hybrid RDWC–pervaporation (PV)–vapor permeation (VP) process equipped with a solar heating system was designed and optimized to produce ETBE. Steam is required for feed preheating and RDWC reboiler, and PV heaters. A parabolic trough collector (PTC), one of the most conventionally used commercial solar collectors, was used to produce steam. Tehran, the Capital of Iran, was selected for solar energy analysis, but the results can be generalized to other places with different weather conditions. PV and VP processes can be placed besides RDWC in five zones. The game theory selected the PV and VP processes as two competitors in the hybrid process with RDWC. The combination of PV and PV processes in the hybrid process with RDWC was studied with the help of the hybrid GA–PSO optimizer algorithm. According to the optimization results, the proposed process reduced TAC and CO2 emissions by 72% and 94% compared to the conventional ETBE process. The main reason for the high efficiency of the proposed method is the use of solar energy and eliminating over 70% of the need for hot utility. The PV–VP combination reduced the number of RDWC trays and PV modules, decreasing the total annual cost (TAC).