Multi-objective optimization on the structural parameters of shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles

A method combining numerical simulation and multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) was applied to the flow and heat transfer characteristics research on the shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles, which are severely affected by the helix angle and degree of overlap. The numerical simulation results show that the heat transfer coefficient and the shell side pressure drop of the helical baffled heat exchanger decrease with the increase of helix angle, and increase with the degree of overlap. The sensitivity analysis also shows that the heat transfer coefficient of the helical baffled heat exchanger and shell side pressure drop are both negatively correlated with helix angle, and positively correlated with the overlap degree. Moreover, they are more sensitive to the helix angle. Three sets of optimal results are obtained by the MOGA to maximize the heat transfer coefficient and minimize the shell-side pressure drop in successive response surface. Compared with original results, the average heat transfer coefficient is increased by 28.3% while the average pressure drop is reduced by 19.37%, which is of great significance for the study on the structural parameters of helical baffled heat exchangers. © 2015, Editorial Office of Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University. All right reserved.