A Methodology for Optimization of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers in Series

TITLE: A Methodology for Optimization of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers in Series
AUTHOR: A Fakheri, M. Fazel
ABSTRACT: a methodology is presented for the optimization of a network of shell and tube heat exchangers connected in series. For a given total rate of heat transfer and the known inlet and exit temperatures of the hot and cold fluids, the total area of the heat exchanger network is minimized. In the proposed methodology, the heat exchangers are assumed to be different. This is a generalization compared to the traditional approach where all the heat exchangers are taken to have the same area and the same LMTD (Log Mean Temperature Difference) correction factor. In the traditional approach the minimum number of identical shells, for which a feasible solution exists and meets the design criteria, is used as the optimum solution. The proposed optimization approach shows that using larger number of smaller heat exchangers results in less overall heat exchanger area due to the more efficient operation of the individual heat exchangers.
STATUS: To appear in International Journal of Heat Exchangers.
Conference version: IMECE'04
DATE OF ENTRY: Dec 2005.