Optimization of shell and tube heat exchanger using advanced evolutionary algorithm

Abstract

Material and Methods: Evolutionary algorithms are typically used to provide good approximate solutions to problems. In the present research the optimization of benchmark design case of shell and tube heat exchangers is carried out using advanced evolutionary algorithms like modified EHO (Elephant herding optimization technique), SOS (symbiotic Organism search) and modified version of SOS called the Adaptive SOS. newlineResults and discussion: using modified EHO results indicate that there is a significant reduction in surface area and total cost in both the cases for 13.3% and 9.68% respectively thereby proving the efficacy of the algorithm. The and#945;-EHO is having very limited number of control parameters with easy implementation. Furthermore, a benchmark heat exchanger design problem is solved using novel SOS technique. Results obtained using SOS indicates that an 8% rise in overall heat transfer coefficient is observed using this methodology, eventually reducing the surface area by 1.72% and overall costs by 0.41%. Furthermore, a benchmark heat exchanger problem is solved using Adaptive symbiotic organisms search technique wherein 2.9% reduction in area and 4.73% reduction in overall cost are observed as compared to PSO technique. newlineConclusions: For all the algorithms the results are validated against the results of the same problems solved using Genetic algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization and the corresponding graphs of important parameters are plotted for easy interpretation of results. However, testing of algorithms on other nonlinear problems shall be done so as to prove the exploration and exploitation capability of the method. newline