Tartibu, L K; Sun, B and Kaunda, M A E (2015) Optimal design study of thermoacoustic regenerator with lexicographic optimization method. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 13(3), pp. 499-519.
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to illustrate the use of the augmented epsilon-constraint method implemented in general algebraic modelling system (GAMS), aimed at optimizing the geometry of a thermoacoustic regenerator. Thermoacoustic heat engines provide a practical solution to the problem of heat management where heat can be pumped or spot cooling can be produced. However, the most inhibiting characteristic of thermoacoustic cooling is their current lack of efficiencies. Design/methodology/approach – Lexicographic optimization is presented as an alternative optimization technique to the common used weighting methods. This approach establishes a hierarchical order among all the optimization objectives instead of giving them a specific (and most of the time, arbitrary) weight. Findings – A practical example is given, in a hypothetical scenario, showing how the proposed optimization technique may help thermoacoustic regenerator designers to identify Pareto optimal solutions when dealing with geometric parameters. This study highlights the fact that the geometrical parameters are interdependent, which support the use of a multi-objective approach for optimization in thermoacoustic. Originality/value – The research output from this paper can be a valuable resource to support designers in building efficient thermoacoustic device. The research illustrates the use of a lexicographic optimization to provide more meaningful results describing the geometry of thermoacoustic regenerator. It applies the epsilon-constraint method (AUGMENCON) to solve a five-criteria mixed integer non-linear problem implemented in GAMS (GAM software).
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | design; implementing; managing and practicing innovation; optimization algorithms; mechanical design; modelling; multi-objective/attribute decision-making; design strategies |
| Index terms: | modelling, optimization technique, efficiency, geometry, designer, decision-making, methodology, optimization algorithm, practicing innovation, mixed integer, design strategy, geometrical parameter, research output |
| Subjects: | mathematical modelling, profession, innovation studies, design methods, research products and data, analytical methods, algorithms, research methods, performance management, design practice, decision analysis |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here