ABSTRACT
This study compares the performance of 3 old generation algorithms namely Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Differential Evolution with two new generation algorithms namely Firefly Algorithm and Symbiotic Organism Search in the optimization of the heat exchanger. The optimization procedure involves the selection of the major geometric parameters such as tube diameters, tube length, baffle spacing, a number of tube passes, tube layout, head type, baffle cut, etc., as per TEMA standard and minimization of total annual cost is considered as the design target. The methodology takes into account the geometric and operational constraints typically recommended by design codes. Three different case studies are presented to demonstrate the comparative effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed five algorithms. From the results of all the three case studies, it is concluded that DE performed the best in terms of capturing the lowest value of total cost and minimum execution time. The new generation algorithm, SOS performed the second-best as it captures the lowest values of total cost every time, honors the constraints every time in reasonably low execution time. The final optimized heat exchanger complies with the TEMA standard, having the lowest cost, and obeys all geometry, velocity, and service constraints.
