Thermal design and optimization of fin-and-tube heat exchanger using heat transfer search algorithm

This study explores the use of heat transfer search (HTS) algorithm for thermal design and optimization of a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. Minimizing the total weight and total annual cost of a heat exchanger for specific heat duty requirement is considered as objective functions and treated individually. Seven design variables such as tube diameter, transverse and longitudinal pitch of tube, number of tube rows, fin pitch, height of shape and width of shape are considered for optimization. Application examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed algorithm. The results of optimization achieved using HTS algorithm is validated by comparing with those obtained by using genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and artificial bee colony algorithm. Finally, sensitivity analysis is carried out to demonstrate the effect of heat exchanger dimensions on the optimum solution.