Decision Workflows

This page maps common user questions to the right OpenPinch entry point, example asset, and supporting documentation page.

Which Workflow Should I Use?

Can I run a known-good case and inspect the main targets?

Use basic_pinch.json with First Solve with Python. If you want the packaged learning path first, use Working with the CLI to copy notebook 01, then solve inside Python from that notebook.

How sensitive is the answer to my minimum approach assumptions?

Use crude_preheat_train.json and 01_first_solve_summary_graphs.ipynb. The notebook uses PinchWorkspace.copy_case(...) and set_dt_cont_multiplier(...) to keep the comparison explicit.

How do multiple process areas aggregate into a site view?

Use zonal_site.json or pulp_mill.json together with Zonal and Total Site Workflows and 02_total_site_sugcc_interpretation.ipynb.

How do named operating periods change the answer across one process or site?

Use crude_preheat_train_multiperiod.json or zonal_site_multiperiod.json together with 03_multiperiod_workspace_scenarios.ipynb.

Would an integrated heat pump improve the utility picture of my plant?

Use heat_pump_targeting.json with Heat Pump Workflows. The dedicated explicit problem.target.direct_heat_pump(...) / problem.target.indirect_heat_pump(...) workflows are the supported advanced route.

How do I compare direct and indirect HPR or refrigeration targets?

Use chocolate_factory.json and 04_carnot_heat_pump_screening.ipynb. That workflow stays on the public problem.target.* and problem.plot.* surfaces rather than lower-level cycle internals.

How do I size one HPR design across several weighted operating periods?

Use crude_preheat_train_multiperiod.json and 10_multiperiod_hpr_shared_design.ipynb. It turns on HPR_MULTIPERIOD_OPTIMIZATION_ENABLED so the HPR optimiser chooses one shared design vector and reports the weighted summary row from that shared design.

How do I model process vapour recompression as a case mutation?

Use 05_direct_gas_stream_mvr_scenarios.ipynb. It treats MVR as a process component added to named workspace cases, then compares the baseline, dry MVR, and liquid-injection MVR results.

How does a vapour-compression plus MVR cascade HPR backend work?

Use 06_vapour_compression_mvr_cascade_hpr.ipynb when you need method context for VC+MVR stage configuration, stream accounting, and graph interpretation.

How do I synthesize a compact heat exchanger network?

Use 07_heat_exchanger_network_synthesis.ipynb with Heat Exchanger Network Synthesis. It demonstrates the public design accessors, ranked network selection, and grid diagram output.

How do interval heat surplus and deficit values explain a target?

Use 08_energy_transfer_analysis.ipynb. It connects a solved thermal target to surplus/deficit tables and energy-transfer diagram data.

I need a typed request/response service contract, not a notebook wrapper.

Start from Service Layer, Schemas and Config, and 09_schema_service_exports_and_bundles.ipynb.

I need to inspect prepared streams, zones, or Problem Tables directly.

Start from Domain Model.

Interpretation Sequence

Regardless of workflow, the recommended decision sequence is:

  1. compare the hot and cold utility targets first

  2. compare heat recovery and pinch temperatures second

  3. inspect the most relevant graph family third

  4. only then move into advanced study-case or equipment interpretation

That order keeps the package grounded in thermodynamic decision support rather than graph-first exploration.