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Computer-Aided Thermal Design Optimisation

Mohamed M. El-Awad

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate by means of relevant examples the usefulness of Excel as a tool for introducing computer-aided design optimisation to engineering students.The performance of thermal systems is strongly influenced by the cost of energy which constitutes a major part of their running cost.Thermal design, which must take into consideration operating costs as well as initial costs, offers good examples of design optimisation. Moreover, design optimisation of thermal systems can easilybe performed by using Excel. The examples considered in the paper deal with insulated conduits carrying hot or cold air with respect to initial and energy costs. Unlike analytical optimisation that can only be used for simple situations with a single design parameter, Excel can deal with thermal designs that involve multiple design factors and elaborate analytical models.