Optimization of a Finned Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger Using a Multi-Objective Optimization Genetic Algorithm

Heat transfer rate and cost significantly affect designs of shell and tube heat exchangers. From the viewpoint of engineering, an optimum design is obtained via maximum heat transfer rate and minimum cost. Here, an analysis of a radial, finned, shell and tube heat exchanger is carried out, considering nine design parameters: tube arrangement, tube diameter, tube pitch, tube length, number of tubes, fin height, fin thickness, baffle spacing ratio and number of fins per unit length of tube. The “Delaware modified” technique is used to determine heat transfer coefficients and the shell-side pressure drop. In this technique, the baffle cut is 20 percent and the baffle ratio limits range from 0.2 to 0.4. The optimization of the objective functions (maximum heat transfer rate and minimum total cost) is performed using a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), and compared against a one-objective algorithm, to find the best solutions. The results are depicted as a set of solutions on a Pareto front, and show that the heat transfer rate ranges from 3517 to 7075 kW. Also, the minimum and maximum objective functions are specified, allowing the designer to select the best points among these solutions based on requirements. Additionally, variations of shell-side pressure drop with total cost are depicted, and indicate that the pressure drop ranges from 3.8 to 46.7 kPa