Optimization of characteristics of an array of thin fins using PSO algorithm in confined cavities heated from a side with free convection

摘要

In this paper, optimal characteristics of very conductive thin fins in the confined cavity are obtained. Free convection is dominant mode of heat transfer in the cavity, and the conductive fins are attached to the vertical hot wall of the cavity. Continuity, momentum and energy equations are discretized by finite volumes, and are solved by the finite volume method through the SIMPLER approach. PSO algorithm is used for optimization problem, where a pair of coordinates (x, y) is selected for each fin such that y is the position of each fin and x is its size. The fins are attached on the vertical hot wall of the cavity coincide with grids of a domain. This work is performed by a subprogram. For modeling of very conductive thin fins, diffusion coefficients in momentum and energy equations are taken as infinity. PSO algorithm is applied to obtain characteristics of an array of thin fins. Results obtained from PSO algorithm are compared with reference values. Results obtained from the present work show that this method is able to obtain characteristics, of thin fins on the vertical hot wall. Results obtained from PSO algorithm show that an array of very conductive thin fins decreases heat transfer from a cavity with high Rayleigh number (Ra =10(7)). (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.