Optimization of the Geometrical Parameters of Plate-Finned Heat exchangers in a Heat Exchanger Network Using Differential Evolution Algorithm

In this paper, considering the total annual cost as the objective function, the plate finned heat exchanges in a network are optimized. Considering the geometrical parameters of the fins, the geometrical, hydraulic and thermal modeling of the plate-finned heat exchangers are performed which is the basis of the optimization. Using the differential evolution and the area computing algorithms the optimum fin arrangements in the heat exchangers are obtained for counter-flow case. Fifty-seven standard and discrete fin types with ten different geometrical parameters (β, fs, δ, dh, τ, s, a, b, x and y) as optimization variables are substituted in both hot and cold sides of the heat exchangers with the purpose of minimizing the objective function. Replacing the optimal fin arrangements for the heat exchangers network, total heat transfer area of the network, utility, capital, total pumping, and investment costs are computed. According to the results, the total annual cost of the network with optimal fin arrangements by DE algorithm for the heat exchangers of network is smaller than the corresponding value with randomly selected fin in heat exchangers of network.