Shape optimization of welded plate heat exchangers based on grey correlation theory

This paper focuses on shape optimization and heat transfer analysis of a Welded Plate Heat Exchanger (WPHE) with straight gas channels and corrugated water channels. Three influential factors (long axis, short axis and plate spacing) were selected as the initial variables to carry out CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation. The influences of various factors on heat transfer characteristics were analyzed using the grey correlation theory, then the optimal parameters of WPHE were discovered by increasing the data density for further study. To verify the correctness of the results, a test platform was built based on the optimal parameters. The error of the two study methods was less than 10%, compared with the CFD simulation results.