Entropy generation minimization (finite time thermodynamics, or thermodynamic optimization) is the method that combines into simple models the most basic concepts of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. These simple models are used in the optimization of real (irreversible) devices and processes, subject to finite‐size and finite‐time constraints. The review traces the development and adoption of the method in several sectors of mainstream thermal engineering and science: cryogenics, heat transfer, education, storage systems, solar power plants, nuclear and fossil power plants, and refrigerators. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental and technological importance of the optimization method and its results, the pedagogical merits of the method, and the chronological development of the field.

Entropy generation minimization: The new thermodynamics of finite-size devices and finite-time processes

It is the objective of this thesis to demonstrate exergy analysis as a powerful instrument to obtain sustainable development. An important aspect of sustainable development is the minimisation of irreversibilities caused by the use of non-renewables. In order to limit the scope of this thesis sustainable development associated with production is considered only. The demonstration cases from practice are selected on four levels: components from process units, process units, complete production processes and, finally, products from production processes. This approach requires life cycle analysis aspects to be included in the exergy analysis.

Thermodynamics and sustainable development; the use of exergy analysis and the reduction of irreversibility

http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/~salamon/PrinciplesTex.pdf

Principles of control thermodynamics

Method of entropy generation minimization, or modeling and optimization based on combined heat transfer and thermodynamics

Design and scaling laws of ramified fluid distributors by the constructal approach

Dans un dispositif de contact ou de separation comprenant une aire de transfert donnee et effectuant un transfert specifie, l'entropie totale produite est minimale lorsque la vitesse locale de production d'entropie est uniformement repartie (equiseparee) le long des variables spatiales et/ou temporelles. Cette propriete est demontree pour les conditions de thermodynamique de non-equilibre classique: relations lineaires flux-force et relations de reciprocite d'Onsager. On montre que les procedes «equisepares» sont optimaux au sens economique, c'est-a-dire qu'ils correspondent au minimum de quelque fonction de cout

Eric Kvaalen

Papers

Equipartition of entropy production. An optimality criterion for transfer and separation processes

Directions of quasi-static mass and energy transfer between phases in multicomponent open systems: Implications in separation science