Majid Jafari ¹, Hesamoddin Salarian ², Jafar Bazrafshan ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nour Branch, Islamic Azad University, Nour, Iran

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In this study we have investigated entropy generation of multi-stream plate fin heat exchanger with use of changing variables thermodynamic and fluids flow rate between plates and provide an optimal model. Methods/Statistical Analysis: For optimizing the plate thermal exchanger, we get the help of a toolbox (genetic algorithm) which has come with MATLAB software. So it is suitable to point to the logic and essence of this optimization method. Between the optimization methods, genetic algorithm, inspired by nature is one of the most advanced ones with disconnected variables. This algorithm is based on natural progress. Findings: The results of calculation were obtained without any change in geometric parameters that was used by air separation unit in APC, thermal exchange coefficient factors are as follows, 1545, 833, 1519, 706 and 2030 ; and pressure drop of each of the exchanger feeding fluid is calculated approximately 10.8, 19.0, 12.1, 19.9, 18.6, in KPa Pascal. Also overall pressure drop in suggested plate heat exchanger with simple fins was calculated 80.5 K.Pa which is less than desired figure of air separation unit in petrochemical company but instead, output temperature of passing fluids between plates is reduced. Application/Improvements: Optimization was done by using the principal of entropy generation minimization, Entropy Generation Minimization (EGM).

Keywords

Air Separation Unit (ASU), Efficiency, Entropy Generation Minimization, Plate Fin Heat Exchanger (PFHE), Two-Objective Optimization

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