Design optimization of a shell and tube heat exchanger with staggered baffles using neural network and genetic algorithm

Abstract

A shell and tube heat exchanger with staggered baffles (STHX-ST) is designed by integrating the features of both segmental and helical baffles, which produces a helical flow in the shell side. This work studies the effect of different parameters on the performance of the STHX-ST through numerical analysis. Shell inner diameter, tube outer diameter, baffle cut, baffle spacing, and baffle orientation angle are the design parameters. Multi-objective optimization using genetic algorithm (GA) is carried out to maximize the heat transfer rate while minimizing the pressure drop. The objective functions for optimization are approximated using artificial neural networks (ANNs). The training data for ANNs are simulated from CFD analysis as per the Taguchi orthogonal test table. The optimal solution obtained from the Pareto front has a maximum heat transfer of 154555 W for a minimum pressure drop of 88083.86 Pa.

Configuration Optimization of a Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger with Segmental Baffles Based on Combination of NSGAII and MOPSO Embedded Grouping Cooperative Coevolution Strategy

“…Compute fuel average temperature T f_ave , lubricating oil average temperature T o_ave , and heat dissipation tube wall temperature T t_w by Equations ( 22)- (24). In these equations, W f and W o are under the inlet temperatures of fuel and lubricating oil, respectively.…”

“…Hadi Keramati et al [23] utilized Deep Reinforcement Learning and Boundary Representation combined with numerical simulation to optimize heat exchanger shape to enhance heat transfer and suppress flow resistance. In the research of Kizhakke Kodakkattu Saijal et al [24], Genetic Algorithm was adopted to pursue heat transfer rate maximizing and pressure drop minimizing based on numerical simulation analysis. Finally, heat transfer rate per pressure drop was utilized as one criterion to find a satisfactory optimization result.…”

Genetic algorithm for the design and optimization of a shell and tube heat exchanger from a performance point of view

“…According to specific heat exchange requirements, various types of heat exchanger equipment such as casing and tube, bare tube, finned tube, spiral, plate, frame, and plate coil are used [4]. Among these heat exchangers, STHX is the most commonly used type due to its easy maintenance, application versatility, and resistance to high temperature and pressure [5][6][7]. This type comprises several round tubes Volume 13, Number 7, 2022 mounted inside a cylindrical shell and has five major components [8]: the shell, tube bundle, front head, rear head, and the baffles [8,9].…”

“…The last one, STHX-ST used both continuous helical baffles and segmental; it has the convenience of segmental baffles in terms of fabrication and installation and the helical flow generated by helical baffles. Shell inner diameter, outer tube diameter, baffle spacing, baffle cut, and baffle orientation angle are all design parameters that substantially impact the overall performance of this heat exchanger [5].…”

“…Saijal and Danish [5] designed the STHX-ST by incorporating helical and segmental baffles features. They investigated the influence of five design parameters through numerical analysis: outer tube diameter, inner shell diameter, septal orientation angle, septum cut-out, and septum spacing on STHX-ST performance.…”