3. Construction of the network of interconnectors

The previous steps, the analyses of the composite curves and the large composite curve, are performed assuming that the minimum energy requirement is met.

This minimum energy is achieved for a heat exchange pattern between hot and cold flows. The design of the heat exchanger network consists of matching the flows in order to achieve the objective of direct recovery between hot and cold flows. This leads to the sizing of the necessary exchangers and determining their number.

First, the practical feasibility of these exchanges is verified (compatibility, technical feasibility, geographical aspects, etc.).

A second step verifies economic feasibility based on heat exchanger cost functions. There are multiple construction options:

• multiple flow exchangers;

...