Optimization of the total annual cost in a shell and tube heat exchanger by Ant colony optimization technique

This paper examines the total annual cost from economic view heat exchangers based on ant colony optimization algorithm and compared the using optimization algorithm in the design of economic optimization of shell and tube heat exchangers. A shell and tube heat exchanger optimization design approach is expanded based on the total annual cost measured that divided to area of surface and power consumption. The optimization and minimization of the total annual cost is considered as the objective function. There are three parameters as decision variables in optimization algorithm such as tube outer diameter, shell diameter and central baffle spacing. Two cases studies considered to demonstrate the accuracy of algorithms Results have been compared with the findings of previous studies. The total annual cost is reduced about 10% and 40% for case 1 and 2 using ant colony optimization algorithm, respectively.