Optimization of the Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchanger Design for Non-Standard Applications

This paper describes an optimization procedure of the heat exchanger design, which is based on cost effectiveness. In the procedure, a genetic optimization algorithm varies the heat exchanger geometry and operating conditions. The influence of the heat exchanger design on its costs, heat transfer and friction performance has been evaluated economically by determining investment and operation costs of the system. For this purpose, a specific approach for setting up of cost functions of the heat exchanger, fans and pumps is presented as well. It has been shown on a non-standard application, that the heat transfer costs of the optimized heat exchanger design is 30% lower than that of the reference configuration, which was designed by a heat exchanger producer.