Multiobjective geometry optimization of microchannel heat exchanger using real-coded genetic algorithm

John Carlo S. Garcia*, Hiroki Tanaka, Niccolo Giannetti, Yuichi Sei, Kiyoshi Saito, Mamoru Houfuku, Ryoichi Takafuji

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper, a multiobjective optimization of the structure of a flat-tubed microchannel heat exchanger is performed to reduce its volume and fan power at a specified capacity. Design variables include tube height, tube width, tube length, fin height, and fin pitch. A weight-based, real-coded genetic algorithm is implemented to optimize the design variables within their specified range of dimensions. To further improve the numerical simulations of the microchannel heat exchanger performance, correlations for the air-side Nusselt number, friction factor, and fin efficiency are developed and validated. In the optimization, the Pareto optimal fronts are obtained by varying weights of the two conflicting objectives. A reference microchannel heat exchanger operating at different capacities is optimized. Results show that the volume and fan power of the reference microchannel heat exchanger can be reduced by up to 45% and 51% respectively, depending on the weighting factor selected. The optimization approach of this study provides the optimal solutions at the given domain of geometric parameter dimensions.

Original languageEnglish
Article number117821
JournalApplied Thermal Engineering
Volume202
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022 Feb 5

Keywords

  • Microchannel heat exchanger
  • Optimization
  • Real-coded genetic algorithm

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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