Numerical study on entropy minimization in pipes with helical airfoil and CuO nanoparticle integration

Abstract

Abstract In this study, minimizing entropy generation in a horizontal pipe is numerically investigated through two passive techniques: in the first mode, the helical wire inserts in the pipe were placed at three various ratios of pitch ratio. The second mode is adding cupric oxide nanoparticles at various volume concentrations. Experiments were conducted for Reynolds numbers ranging from 4,000 to 14,000 under a uniform heat flux scenario of 25,000 W/m2. The study utilized the ANSYS 14.5 software, employing the K-omega standard model, which involves three primary governing equations: continuity, momentum, and energy. According to the data, it was determined that the helical wire placed inside the pipe with a small pitch ratio decreased the entropy generation number. Cupric oxide nanoparticles also have a substantial impact on the entropy generation number. The higher volume concentration models had lower entropy generation numbers and Bejan numbers than the other models. Comparative analyses further emphasize the substantial advantages of using cupric oxide nanofluids and helical-wire inserts, with efficiency gains ranging from 5.08 to 11.7%.