A Comparative Study of Evolutionary Algorithms for Optimization of Fin-and-tube Heat Exchangers

In this paper, an analysis of heat transfer and fluid flow in a wavy fin-and-tube heat exchanger has been performed followed with a comparative study of different algorithms used for the heat exchanger optimization. Three- dimensional (3D) numerical simulation results of a circular tube heat exchanger were used in multivariate optimization that included geometrical parameters that, as predicted, significantly influence thermodynamic and hydrodynamic behavior of the heat exchanger system. A nonlinear regression model (polynomial function) was derived for two developed objective functions. Several algorithms for the optimization of heat exchanger have been used: two evolutionary algorithms (Genetic Algorithm and Simulated Annealing) and Pattern Search algorithm. The influences of inlet air velocity, as well as fin pitch and wavy angle on heat transfer and pressure drop conditions have been studied. The comparison of results has been made along with the analysis and conclusions.