Entropy generation minimization in parallel-plates counterflow heat exchangers

• Published in: International journal of energy research Vol. 24; no. 10; pp. 843 - 864
• Main Authors: Ordóñez, Juan Carlos, Bejan, Adrian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.08.2000; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Devices using thermal energy; EGM; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; entropy generation minimization; Exact sciences and technology; exergy analysis; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); thermodynamic design; thermodynamic optimization; Thermodynamics; Exergy analysis; Heat exchanger; Entropy; Yield; Performance; Optimization; Counterflow system
• DOI: 10.1002/1099-114X(200008)24:10<843::AID-ER620>3.0.CO;2-M
• ISSN: 0363-907X

This paper shows that the main architectural features of a counterflow heat exchanger can be determined based on thermodynamic optimization subject to volume constraint. It is assumed that the channels are formed by parallel plates, the two fluids are ideal gases, and the flow is fully developed, laminar or turbulent. In the first part of the paper, it is shown that the irreversibility of the heat exchanger core is minimized with respect to (1) the ratio of the two‐channel spacings, and (2) the total heat transfer area between the two streams. In the second part, the entropy generation rate also accounts for the irreversibility due to discharging the spent hot stream into the ambient. It is shown that the design can be optimized with respect to (1), (2) and (3) the ratio of the capacity rates of the two streams. The optimized features of the geometry are robust with respect to whether the external discharge irreversibility is included in the entropy generation rate calculation. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.