Multi-objective optimization of a guide vane in the turning region of a rotating U-duct to enhance heat transfer performance

An optimization has been performed for the design of a guide vane in the turning region of a rotating U-duct using the Kriging meta-model and a hybrid multi-objective evolutionary algorithm. Rotation of the U-duct is accompanied by the Coriolis force that causes a discrepancy in heat transfer between the trailing (pressure) and leading (suction) surfaces of the duct. For the optimization, three geometric variables related to the thickness, angle, and location of the guide vanes are selected as the design variables. A Kriging model is constructed to obtain a Pareto-optimal front through a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm. The values of the objective function at the design points are evaluated by Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes analysis. The shear stress transport model is used as the turbulence closure model in the analysis. The tradeoff between the two competing objective functions is discussed for Pareto-optimal solutions in the design space. The optimized guide vanes show an increase in heat transfer performance with a decrease in the friction loss in the turning region and downstream straight passage in comparison with the reference design.