Marine steam condenser design optimization

Abstract

A surface -condenser analysis coda was coupled with a constrained function minimization code to produce an automated marine condenser design and optimization package. The program, CGNDIP, was based on the principles developed in 0RC0N1, a sophisticated computer coda produced by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. CONMIN, the optimization program, was developed at the Ames Research Center. CCNDIP is an extremely versatile design tool, incorporating a detailed analysis of the complex steam-side thermodynamic processes occurring at each row in the condenser. The additional capability of tube enhancement is also included. However, in coupling CONDI? with CONfllN numerous problems had to be overcome in order to make CONDIP capable of completing an analysis even when thermodynamic conditions in the condenser became in feasible. This had to be accomplished while ensuring continuity in all constraint and objective function evaluations. A series of test cases were conducted to evaluate and compare the importance of various objective functions and design criteria.