Numerical Modeling and Multi-Objective Optimization of Tempered Glass Furnaces using CFD and GAs

In this paper, a tempering glass furnace is numerically analyzed and multi-objectively optimized for energy performance investigation. In order to manufacture high-strength tempered glass, the glass must be heated inside the furnace at above 700 °C. Numerical modeling is simulated using computational fluid dynamics and temperature distribution in the furnace is obtained by studying the radiation model. Numerical analysis results are validated with experimental data. The multi–objective optimization is performed to reduce the furnace energy consumption and the primary cost of constructing the furnace, coupled the production of high quality glass tempered. The effects of several design variables are investigated based on genetic algorithm. In optimization, the effects of several important design variables are investigated, which are: the distance between the torches and the pieces of glass inside the furnace, the distance between the torches with each other, the furnace length, the furnace width, the furnace height and ect. The results show that the variation in the value of the design variables leads to reduction in the cost of manufacturing and consumption of fuel, coupled the production of tempered glass with the appropriate standard.