Synthesis and optimization of utility system usually involve grassroots design, retrofitting and operation optimization, which should be considered in modeling process. This paper presents a general method for synthesis and optimization of a utility system. In this method, superstructure based mathematical model is established, in which different modeling methods are chosen based on the application. A binary code based parameter adaptive differential evolution algorithm is used to obtain the optimal configuration and operation conditions of the system. The evolution algorithm and models are interactively used in the calculation, which ensures the feasibility of configuration and improves computational efficiency. The capability and effectiveness of the proposed approach are demonstrated by three typical case studies. (C) 2015 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press. All rights reserved.