A novel topology optimization approach for flow power loss minimization across fin arrays

Ghasemi, Ali and Elham, A. (2020) A novel topology optimization approach for flow power loss minimization across fin arrays. Energies, 13 (8), [1987]. (doi:10.3390/en13081987).

Abstract

Fin arrays are widely utilized in many engineering applications, such as heat exchangers and micro-post reactors, for higher level of fluid–solid contacts. However, high fluid pressure loss is reportedly the major drawback of fin arrays and a challenge for pumping supply, particularly at micro-scales. Previous studies also indicate that fin shapes, spacing and alignment play an important role on the overall pressure losses. Therefore, we present a numerical tool to minimize pressure losses, considering the geometrical aspects related to fin arrays. In this regard, a density-based topology optimization approach is developed based on the pseudo-spectral scheme and Brinkman penalization in 2D periodic domains. Discrete sensitives are derived analytically and computed at relatively low cost using a factorization technique. We study different test cases to demonstrate the flexibility, robustness and accuracy of the present tool. In-line and staggered arrays are considered at various Reynolds numbers and fluid–solid volume fractions. The optimal topologies interestingly indicate a pressure loss reduction of nearly 53.6% compared to circular fins. In passive optimization test examples, the added solid parts reduced pressure loss of a circular fin ( 9% ) by eliminating the flow separation and filling the wake region

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Download statistics