Challenges in the Adjoint-based Optimization of Bare Tube Heat Exchangers
G.O. Bociar (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
Carlo De de Servi – Mentor (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)
P.P. Pai Raikar – Mentor (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)
Marc Gerritsma – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerodynamics)
Matteo Pini – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)
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Abstract
This research investigates the adjoint-based
optimization of bare tube heat exchangers, aiming to minimize air-side pressure
drop. The study focuses on optimizing tube shapes in an in-line bare tube heat
exchanger configuration, selected for its inherent advantages in reducing
pressure drop. The optimization targets flow conditions characterized by a
Reynolds number of approximately 1000, based on the tube diameter. The accuracy
of simulations was found to depend significantly on the turbulence modelling
approach. Different models were benchmarked against empirical correlations to
ensure accuracy, with the most accurate model used to recompute the flow fields
of the optimized designs as a post-processing step. The optimized round tubes
achieved a pressure drop reduction of up to 20%. For elliptical tubes, the
optimization resulted in a pressure drop reduction of up to 10%. This 10%
reduction adds to the notable improvement gained by replacing round tubes with
elliptical ones.