Article: Exergoeconomic optimisation of the geometry of continuous fins on an array of tubes of a refrigeration air cooled condenser Journal: International Journal of Exergy (IJEX) 2005 Vol.2 No.2 pp.146 - 171 Abstract: An exergy method for optimising the geometrical parameters of continuous fins on an array of tubes in an air-cooled condenser is developed in this paper. The method is based on exergy, economic analysis and optimisation theory. The condenser is characterised by the single/two phase flow inside the coil and the two components of exergy destruction, İΔP and İΔT, for refrigerant and air sides are calculated for different geometrics. A change in geometry was obtained by varying the condenser tube diameter for a selected condenser capacity, and hence the condenser tube length and total heat transfer area are calculated for a fixed condenser face length. In this way the effect of changes in the geometry on the total number of exergy destruction units is investigated. Also, the optimum balance between the two components of destruction is determined thereby giving the optimum solution for the heat exchanger area. The total cost function is expressed on the basis of annual cost of capital investment and the cost of compensation for the irreversibilities. The results show that the effect of the total irreversibility is 3.885% of the condenser capacity. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Exergoeconomic optimisation of the geometry of continuous fins on an array of tubes of a refrigeration air cooled condenser

Authors: Rahim K. Jassim, Tahar Khir, Badr A. Habeebullah, Galal M. Zaki

Addresses: Jeddah College of Technology, P.O. Box 42204, Jeddah 21 541, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ' Jeddah College of Technology, P.O. Box 42204, Jeddah 21 541, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ' King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80204, Jeddah 21 587, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ' King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80204, Jeddah 21 587, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: An exergy method for optimising the geometrical parameters of continuous fins on an array of tubes in an air-cooled condenser is developed in this paper. The method is based on exergy, economic analysis and optimisation theory. The condenser is characterised by the single/two phase flow inside the coil and the two components of exergy destruction, İ^ΔP and İ^ΔT, for refrigerant and air sides are calculated for different geometrics. A change in geometry was obtained by varying the condenser tube diameter for a selected condenser capacity, and hence the condenser tube length and total heat transfer area are calculated for a fixed condenser face length. In this way the effect of changes in the geometry on the total number of exergy destruction units is investigated. Also, the optimum balance between the two components of destruction is determined thereby giving the optimum solution for the heat exchanger area. The total cost function is expressed on the basis of annual cost of capital investment and the cost of compensation for the irreversibilities. The results show that the effect of the total irreversibility is 3.885% of the condenser capacity.

Keywords: air cooled refrigeration condenser; exergy analysis; exergy destruction; thermoeconomic optimisation; exergoeconomic optimisation; continuous fins; geometric parameters; economic analysis; heat transfer; heat exchanger; irreversibility; condenser capacity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2005.006985

International Journal of Exergy, 2005 Vol.2 No.2, pp.146 - 171

Published online: 01 May 2005 *

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Title: Exergoeconomic optimisation of the geometry of continuous fins on an array of tubes of a refrigeration air cooled condenser

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