Entropy Analysis of a Simple Rectangular Radiating Fin for Space Applications

Abstract

For growing interest in planetary exploration, it is substantial to study the utilization of energy for future-built planetary settlements, as energy resources are at a premium far away from earth. Entropy analysis is proposed as a suitable tool to study these systems, and make them energy efficient. Hence, a simple, purely radiating rectangular fin is studied by entropy generation analysis. The distribution of temperature and radiosity of the fin is first obtained by solving the governing heat transfer equation by second order finite difference numerical analysis. Using these data, the heat transfer and entropy generation of fin, fin-base, and the surrounding space is calculated. The effect of solar irradiation on the heat transfer of fin is also considered. The influence of pertinent, non-dimensional parameters on the total rate of entropy generated by the fin system is analyzed. Further, a correlation with these parameters is obtained for the total entropy generation.