Optimization of Compact Heat Exchanger for Minimization of Entropy Generation Using Differential Evolution Algorithm

Considering the importance of heat exchangers in operational units, in this research, the differential evolution (DE) algorithm was used to optimize compact heat exchanger aim to minimize the number of entropy generation units. The number of total entropy generation units of heat and pressure in the compact heat exchanger as an objective function and six decision variables including heat exchanger length, fin frequency, fin length, number of layers of flow on both sides of the offset strip fin, fin height, and fin thickness with a series of restrictions were Investigated. The results obtained from DE optimization were compared and validated by genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The level of this algorithm in minimizing entropy generation (by 1.5 and 17.6% compared to the PSO method and GA) revealed high ability of the DE method in optimizing compact heat exchangers. Moreover, the effect of changes in control parameters in the DE algorithm on convergence and the degree of optimization of the objective function was studied