Optimum design of plate-fin heat exchanger with genetic algorithm

A method of optimum design for a plate-fin heat exchanger based on genetic algorithm (GA) is put forward. Not only the structure of a heat exchanger can be optimized by this method, but also the optimal type selection of fins can be obtained in the case of many types of fins. For different requirements of design, weight or effectiveness of a heat exchanger can be taken as an object function respectively by GA. A database of fins has been set up for selecting the optimal type of fins easily, which includes the geometrical parameters, heat transfer factors and friction factors of fins. These parameters can be directly applied to computer programs. Compared with the conventional optimization results, it is shown that the weight and volume of heat exchanger optimized are both reduced. The optimizing computer software and the database of fins are universal and can be used for general optimum design of heat exchangers.