Topology Optimization of Heat and Mass Transfer Problems: Laminar Flow

Abstract

The design of efficient structures for heat and mass transfer problems involves the implementation of an appropriate topology optimization strategy in order to fully take into account the bi-objective nature of the problem. This article couples the finite-volume method (FVM), for the direct solver, with the discrete adjoint approach, for the sensitivity analysis, in order to tackle both fluid dynamic and heat transfer optimization in the frame of laminar flows. Details are provided about the sparsity pattern of the discrete adjoint system, which requires special attention to select a suitable matrix iterative solver. Several examples underline the adequacy of topology optimization in conjunction with the FVM for the minimization of the power dissipated by the fluid. Then, a bi-objective problem aiming at minimizing the pressure drop while maximizing the recoverable thermal power is solved by the identification of its Pareto frontier, thanks to an aggregate objective function (AOF) method. The main conclusion deals with the possibility of finding an acceptable trade-off between both objectives and the potential of topology optimization for heat and mass transfer optimization.