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

The problem of unsteady, laminar, combined forced-free convection flow in a square cavity in the presence of internal heat generation or absorption and a magnetic field is formulated. Both the top and bottom horizontal walls of the cavity are insulated while the left and right vertical walls are kept at constant and different temperatures. The left vertical wall is moving in its own plane at a constant speed while all other walls are fixed. A uniform magnetic field is applied in the horizontal direction normal to the moving wall. A temperature-dependent heat source or sink is assumed to exist within the cavity. The governing equations and conditions are solved numerically by the finite-volume approach along with the alternating direct implicit (ADI) procedure. Two cases of thermal boundary conditions corresponding to aiding and opposing flows are considered. Comparisons with previously published work are performed and the results are found to be in excellent agreement. A parametric study is conducted and ...

Hydromagnetic combined convection flow in a vertical lid-driven cavity with internal heat generation or absorption

There is an acknowledged growing need for efficient and sustainable systems that use available energy resources in an “optimal” (including constraints) way. Such a goal cannot be effectively achieved without taking into account the limits posed by the second law of thermodynamics. A possible approach consists in the so-called entropy generation analysis, which possesses key features making it more attractive than traditional energy balance approaches. In fact, entropy generation analysis allows for a direct identification of the causes of inefficiency and opens up the possibility for designers to conceive globally more effective systems. Furthermore, thanks to its direct derivation from basic thermodynamic principles, entropy generation analysis can be in principle used for any type of energy conversion system. These attractive features have made entropy generation analysis a popular thermodynamic method for the design and the optimization of less unsustainable systems. This paper presents a critical review of contributions to the theory and application of entropy generation analysis to different types of engineering systems. The focus of the work is only on contributions oriented toward the use of entropy generation analysis as a tool for the design and optimization of engineering systems. A detailed derivation of the existing entropy generation formulations is first presented, and the two more popular approaches are discussed: the entropy generation minimization (EGM) and the entropy generation analysis (EGA). The relevant literature is further classified in two categories, depending on whether the level of the analysis is global or local. This review will further clarify the use of entropy generation-based design methods, indicate the areas for future work, and provide the necessary information for further research in the development of efficient engineering systems.

Entropy generation analysis as a design tool - A review

Natural convection heat transfer in a differentially heated and vertically partially layered porous cavity filled with a nanofluid is studied numerically based on double–domain formulation. The left wall, which is adjacent to the porous layer, is isothermally heated, while the right wall is isothermally cooled. The top and bottom walls of the cavity are thermally insulated. Impermeable cavity walls are considered except the interface between the porous layer and the nanofluid layer. The Darcy–Brinkman model is invoked for the porous layer which is saturated with the same nanofluid. Equations govern the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy with the entity of nanoparticles in the fluid filling the cavity and that are saturated in the porous layer are modeled and solved numerically using under successive relaxation upwind finite difference scheme. The contribution of five parameters are studied, these are; nanoparticle volume fraction ϕ (0–0.1), porous layer thickness Xp(0–0.9), Darcy number Da (10−7–1...

Natural Convection in Differentially Heated Partially Porous Layered Cavities Filled with a Nanofluid

Following over 170+ pages and additional appendixes are formed based on content of Course: Fundamentals of Heat Transfer. Mainly this summarizes relevant parts on Book of Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer (Incropera), but also other references introducing the same concepts are included. Student’s point of view has been consideredwith following highlights: (1) Relevant topics are presented in a nutshell to provide fast digestion of principles of heat transfer. (2) Appendixes include terminology dictionary. (3) Totally 22 illustrating examples are connecting theory to practical applications and quantifying heat transfer to understandable forms as: temperatures, heat transfer rates, heat fluxes, resistances and etc. (4) Most important Learning outcomes are presented for each topic separately. The Book, Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer (Incropera), is certainly recommended for those going beyond basic knowledge of heat transfer. Lecture Notes consists of four primary content-wise objectives: (1) Give understanding to physical mechanisms of heat transfer, (2)Present basic concepts and terminology relevant for conduction, convection and radiation (3) Introduce thermal performance analysis methods for steady state and transient conduction systems. (4) Provide fast-to-digest phenomenological understanding required for basic design of thermal models

Fundamentals of heat transfer

To suffice the cryogenic cooling requirements for various academic and commercial applications, high refrigerating capacity GM cryocoolers have been used widely because of its compact size. Numerous innovative design approaches have been proposed and implemented to reduce the loss mechanisms to enhance its refrigeration capacity. In this paper, the structural and thermal effects of a cold-head cylinder are studied numerically. In place of a cylinder of constant diameter along the axial direction, three different types of stepped cylinder configurations have been used. Variations of von Mises stress, temperature, equivalent strain, maximum and minimum principal stress for different cylindrical configurations have been examined. It is seen that after reducing the cylinder thickness, total deformation along the radial direction of cylinder increases. Also, the von Mises stress increases, but its value is much lower than that of yield strength of SS-304. The results will be helpful for better design of cold-head cylinders for GM cryocooler from structural and thermal point of view to avoid structural failures.

Ranjit K. Sahoo

Papers

Structural and Thermal Analysis of Cold-Head Cylinder of a GM Cryocooler