Multi-objective optimization and sensitivity analysis of offset strip fin compact heat exchangers

In this study, the aerothermal performance of Offset Strip Fin Compact Heat Exchangers (OSF-CHE) is optimized with the multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization method. Available empirical correlations for the Fanning factor and Colburn factor are utilized in the optimization process. Selected off-design Pareto-optimal solutions for compact heat exchanger configurations are reconstructed and simulated by Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations at various boundary conditions after extensive validation processes. Optimized OSF-CHE designs are shown to have improved aerothermal performances among comparable designs in the literature. It has been shown that a high Reynolds number in the range of 1,500–2,000 as a flow attribute provides the Fanning factor ranging from 0.0228 to 0.0619 and the Colburn factor between 0.0067 and 0.0122 and Re is more dominant than geometric design variables on the objective functions. Low and moderate Reynolds number flows at 500 and 1,000 offer a wider selection range for both objective functions on the Pareto-front.