Design of multi-tubular heat exchangers for optimum efficiency of heat dissipation

Abstract

The optimum design of compact heat exchangers made of a linear metal cellular material is presented. A novel representation of the cylindrical multi-tubular configuration is used. The aim is to maximize the heat dissipation rate while minimizing the prescribed flow pressure by optimizing the multi-tube configuration. The optimum distribution of cellular material for square-cell morphology (cell density and size over given cylindrical cross-section) is found using a structural topology optimization approach. The optimized thermal performance is compared using numerical analysis including both axial temperature fields and variations within the cross-sectional area. The results for the effects of different cross-section shapes, thermal boundary conditions and flow rates are discussed and compared. Interestingly, the present formulation leads to a non-uniform distribution of cellular structures which mimic natural biomaterials. Based on these results, design guidelines for a compact multi-tubular heat exchanger are presented.

Keywords:

• topology optimization
• multitubular heat exchanger
• heat dissipation
• cellular materials
• monolithic catalyst support
• concurrent design of material and structure

Acknowledgements

Financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (10332010), Program for Innovative Research Team (10421202) and National Basic Research Program of China (‘973’ Plan) (2006CB601205) is gratefully acknowledged.