A Three-Dimensional Numerical and Multi-Objective Optimal Design of Wavy Plate-Fins Heat Exchangers

Chao Yu,Kui Shi,Xiangyao Xue,Mingzhen Shao

doi:10.3390/pr9010009

Abstract

This paper presents a method for optimizing wavy plate-fin heat exchangers accurately and efficiently. It combines CFD simulation, Radical Basis Functions (RBF) with multi-objective optimization to improve the performance. The optimization of the Colburn factor j and the friction coefficient f is regarded as a multi-objective optimization problem, due to the existence of two contradictory goals. The approximation model was obtained by Radical Basis Functions, and the shape of the heat exchanger was optimized by multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). The optimization results showed that j increased by 17.62% and f decreased by 20.76%, indicating that the heat exchange efficiency was significantly enhanced and the fluid structure resistance reduced. Then, from the aspects of field synergy and tubulence energy, the performance advantage of the optimized structure was further confirmed.

Highlights

As a kind of compact heat exchangers, wavy plate-fins (WPFs) heat exchangers have high efficiency and low weight, widespread applications in aerospace, automobile and power machinery
In order to obtain better fluid mixing and heat transfer efficiency at a low Reynold’s number, Gongnan Xie [2] optimized the geometric shape of electronic radiator corrugated channels with the application of construction theory to minimize the overall thermal resistance and improve the thermal performance of structural corrugated channels
Based on the constructal theory, Yidan Song [3] studied dimensionless variables such as channel space, wavelength ratio and amplitude ratio, and obtained the optimal configuration of the wave fin-channels for the compact heat exchanger applied in the heat recovery system of micro turbine

Summary

Introduction

As a kind of compact heat exchangers, wavy plate-fins (WPFs) heat exchangers have high efficiency and low weight, widespread applications in aerospace, automobile and power machinery. In order to obtain better fluid mixing and heat transfer efficiency at a low Reynold’s number, Gongnan Xie [2] optimized the geometric shape of electronic radiator corrugated channels with the application of construction theory to minimize the overall thermal resistance and improve the thermal performance of structural corrugated channels. Based on the constructal theory, Yidan Song [3] studied dimensionless variables such as channel space, wavelength ratio and amplitude ratio, and obtained the optimal configuration of the wave fin-channels for the compact heat exchanger applied in the heat recovery system of micro turbine. By using Pareto optimal strategy and a multi-objectives genetic algorithm, Limin Wang [6] obtained the optimal value of the pitch and height of the waveform board, so as to realize the maximum heat transfer capacity and minimum pumping power of the heat transfer surface of the waveform board

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion