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Performance Optimization of a Condenser in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) System Based on Constructal Theory
Zhixiang Wu1,2,3, Huijun Feng1,2, Lingen Chen1,2
1Institute of Thermal Science and Power Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 8, 2020
Summary
Constructal theory optimizes plate condensers for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems. This approach reduces entropy generation and pumping power, enhancing overall system efficiency and performance.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Energy Systems Engineering
Background:
- Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems require efficient heat exchangers.
- Plate condensers are critical components in OTEC systems, facing conflicting design objectives.
- Minimizing entropy generation and pumping power is essential for optimal condenser performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply constructal theory for optimizing plate condensers in OTEC systems.
- To simultaneously minimize entropy generation rate and total pumping power.
- To investigate the impact of structural parameters and weighting coefficients on condenser design.
Main Methods:
- Constructal optimization based on constructal theory.
- Design using a composite function (CF) of entropy generation and pumping power.
- Multi-objective genetic algorithm for simultaneous optimization.
- Analysis of effective length, width, and number of heat transfer plates as design variables.
Main Results:
- Composite function (CF) was reduced by 7.8% after primary optimization and 9.9% after twice-constructal optimization.
- Effective volume positively impacts the twice-minimized CF.
- The Pareto optimal set offers improved selections for condenser performance.
Conclusions:
- Constructal optimization effectively balances conflicting objectives in plate condenser design.
- The study provides a framework for enhanced OTEC system efficiency through optimized heat exchangers.
- Pareto optimality offers a superior approach to conventional single-objective optimization for complex systems.
Keywords:
constructal theorygeneralized thermodynamic optimizationmulti-objective genetic algorithmmulti-objective optimizationocean thermal energy conversion systemplate condenserMore Related Videos
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