Optimization of Plate-fin Heat Exchanger with Genetic Algorithm

In this study a Plate-Fin Heat Exchanger (PFHE) with offset-strip fins has been optimized on air-air, water-water and air-water working fluids types. In the first step - designing the PFHE - the heat transfer and pressure drop analyses were done. Considering the geometrical parameters of fins (pitch, height and offset length of fins) and the relationship of the amount of heat transfer and pressure drops with the velocity of working fluids in each types, the volume of PFHE and its total annual cost based on the allowable pressure drop on both sides as the constraints were calculated. Then, Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used for searching and optimization of the structure sizes of the PFHE considering pressure drop constraints. Comparing the current results with the literature shows that the volume of optimized PFHE for all three types decreases from 10 to 15% and the total annual cost declines from 5 to 25%.