Optimizing the Heat Loss from an Insulation Material and Boundary Layer Thickness of Airflow through a Hot Plate Using Nonlinear Least-Squares Error and Linear Programming Algorithms

Abstract

Heat loss is a major challenge in heat transfer problems. Several researchers have minimized heat loss for different heat transfer cases, focusing on one optimization technique; however, not all optimization techniques are suitable for a given problem. A limited number of studies have compared different techniques for a given problem under boundary conditions and constraints. This review revisits basic heat transfer problems and identifies a promising technique for each problem to minimize heat loss. The paper considers three techniques: nonlinear least-squares error (LSE), interior point linear programming (IPLP), and genetic algorithm. Two cases are studied: 1. heat loss optimization from cylindrical insulating surfaces and 2. laminar airflow on a heated plate. The results are compared for each technique, and a suitable technique is recommended for each considered case. Nonlinear LSE is found to be most suitable for case 1. IPLP and GA are recommended for the Case 2 problem. The average thermal conductivity is found to be 0.081 W/mK. The average insulation thickness is found to be 213.25 mm. This research will act as a basis for future research to justify and implement suitable techniques for different heat transfer problems.