Exergoeconomic optimization of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger

Abstract

The paper presents an economic optimization of STHX with two commonly adopted (i.e., Kern and Bell-Delaware) and one rarely explored (i.e., Wills-Johnston) methods. A detailed numerical code concerning thermal, hydraulic, exergy, and economic analysis of STHX is developed for all three methods. Normalized sensitivity analysis, parametric study, and Genetic Algorithm are used to ascertain the most influential parameters and optimize the total cost. It is observed that the calculations made using the Wills-Johnston method were reasonably close to the Bell-Delaware method. While the Kern method showed a significant deviation in the shell side calculations because of the several assumptions in this method. The parametric analysis showed that increasing the mass flow rate and the number of baffles increased the operating cost because of an exponential increase in the pressure drops. Finally, the optimization reduced the heat transfer area by ~26.4%, capital cost by ~20%, operational cost by ~50%, total cost by ~22%, and the stream cost by ~21%.

Exergoeconomic and Normalized Sensitivity Analysis of Plate Heat Exchangers: A Theoretical Framework with Application

“…For this purpose, calculus-based (partial derivative-based) sensitivity analysis is one of the most trustworthy and widely used methods. In this approach, all the independent parameters sum up their nominal values and uncertainty as given below [35].…”

“…where X and AEU _ X represents the nominal value and the uncertainty about the nominal value, respectively. The uncertainty in the output performance parameter Y(X) because of the uncertainty of variable X is given below [35].…”

“…The NSC provides a comparison of all the input variables with significantly different magnitude based on their critical impact on the desired performance parameter [36]. The NSC can be written mathematically as [35].…”

“…The relative contribution (RC) is an important parameter in a normalized sensitivity analysis that is used to identify the variable with dominant uncertainty contribution through combining the sensitivity coefficient (SC) with the actual uncertainty. It can calculate as [35].…”

Exergoeconomic Optimization of Polymeric Heat Exchangers for Geothermal Direct Applications

“…Different researchers have paid attention on exergoeconomic analysis of heat exchangers in geothermal applications to minimize the capital cost and investment cost of components by using multiple algorithms and methodologies. Jamil et al [16] have defined an exergoeconomic optimization by considering design and operating parameters and also fiscal parameters for a shell and tube heat exchanger. The results show that the increase of mass flow rate and the baffles increased the operating cost because of an exponential growth in the pressure drops.…”