Design & Optimization of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger using Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

A preliminary design of shell and tube heat exchanger using Kern's method with single-phase fluid flow both on shell and tube side is done in this study. In the present work Matlab© code is developed. The code determines the overall dimensions of the shell, the tube bundle, and heat transfer surface area required to meet the specified heat transfer duty and pressure drop. Furthermore, an objective function based on minimization of total cost is generated, which include capital as well as running cost of heat exchanger. A constrained based optimization of the said design is carried out using genetic algorithm (GA) by varying the design variables: outer tube diameter, tube side velocity and number of tubes. A case study for shell and tube heat exchanger is carried out from literature. The results are compared with literature and indicate that the proposed algorithm can be successfully applied for design and optimization of shell and tube heat exchangers.