Parametric analysis of entropy generation due to laminar developing mixed convection between differentially heated isothermal vertical parallel plates

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this article is to present the results of a parametric analysis of the entropy generation due to mixed convection in the entry‐developing region between two differentially heated isothermal vertical plates.Design/methodology/approachThe entropy generation was estimated via a numerical solution of the mass, momentum and energy conservation equations governing the flow and heat transfer in the vertical channel between the two parallel plates. The resultant temperature and velocity profiles were used to estimate the entropy generation and other heat transfer parameters over a wide range of the operating parameters. The investigated parameters include the buoyancy parameter (Gr/Re), Eckert number (Ec), Reynolds number (Re), Prandtl number (Pr) and the ratio of the dimensionless temperature of the two plates (θT).FindingsThe optimum values of the buoyancy parameter (Gr/Re) optimum at which the entropy generation assumes its minimum for the problem under consideration have been obtained numerically and presented over a wide range of the other operating parameters. The effect of the other operating parameters on the entropy generation is presented and discussed as well.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this investigation are limited to the geometry of vertical channel parallel plates under isothermal boundary conditions. However, the concept of minimization of entropy generation via controlling the buoyancy parameter is applicable for any other geometry under any other thermal boundary conditions.Practical implicationsThe results presented in this paper can be used for optimum designs of heat transfer equipment based on the principle of entropy generation minimization with particular focus on the optimum design of plate and frame heat exchanger and the optimization of electronic packages and stacked packaging of laminar‐convection‐cooled printed circuits.Originality/valueThis paper introduces the entropy generation minimization via controlling the operating parameters and clearly identifies the optimum buoyancy parameter (Gr/Re) at which entropy generation assumes its minimum under different operating conditions.