1st Edition

Entropy Generation Minimization The Method of Thermodynamic Optimization of Finite-Size Systems and Finite-Time Processes

By Adrian Bejan Copyright 1995

    This book presents the diverse and rapidly expanding field of Entropy Generation Minimization (EGM), the method of thermodynamic optimization of real devices. The underlying principles of the EGM method - also referred to as "thermodynamic optimization," "thermodynamic design," and "finite time thermodynamics" - are thoroughly discussed, and the method's applications to real devices are clearly illustrated.
    The EGM field has experienced tremendous growth during the 1980s and 1990s. This book places EGM's growth in perspective by reviewing both sides of the field - engineering and physics. Special emphasis is given to chronology and to the relationship between the more recent work and the pioneering work that outlined the method and the field.
    Entropy Generation Minimization combines the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. EGM applies these principles to the modeling and optimization of real systems and processes that are characterized by finite size and finite time constraints, and are limited by heat and mass transfer and fluid flow irreversibilities.
    Entropy Generation Minimization provides a straightforward presentation of the principles of the EGM method, and features examples that elucidate concepts and identify recent EGM advances in engineering and physics. Modern advances include the optimization of storage by melting and solidification; heat exchanger design; power from hot-dry-rock deposits; the on & off operation of defrosting refrigerators and power plants with fouled heat exchangers; the production of ice and other solids; the maximization of power output in simple power plant models with heat transfer irreversibilities; the minimization of refrigerator power input in simple models; and the optimal collection and use of solar energy.

    List of Symbols
    Thermodynamics Concepts and Laws
    Definitions
    Closed Systems
    Open Systems
    The Momentum Theorem
    Useful Steps in Problem Solving
    The Temperature-Energy Interaction Diagram, and the Entropy Interaction-Energy Interaction Diagram
    Problems
    Entropy Generation and Exergy Destruction
    The Gouy-Stodola Theorem
    Systems Communicating with More than One Heat Reservoir
    Adiabatic Systems
    Exergy Analysis of Steady Flow Processes
    Exergy Analysis of Non-Flow Processes
    Characteristic Features of Irreversible Systems and Processes
    Problems
    Entropy Generation in Fluid Flow
    Relationship between Entropy Generation and Viscous Dissipation
    Laminar Flow
    Turbulent Flow
    The Transition
    Buckling Theory of Turbulent Flow
    Entropy Generation in "Isothermal" Turbulent Flow
    The Bernoulli Equation
    Entropy Generation in Heat Transfer
    The Local Rate of Entropy Generation in Convective Heat Transfer
    Fluid Friction vs. Heat Transfer Irreversibility
    Internal Flows
    External Flows
    Conduction Heat Transfer
    Convective Mass Transfer
    General Heat Exchanger Passage
    Heat Transfer Augmentation Techniques
    Problems
    Heat Exchangers
    Counterflow Heat Exchangers
    Heat Exchangers with Negligible Pressure Drop Irreversibility
    The Three-Part Structure of Heat Exchanger Irreversibility
    Two-Phase-Flow Heat Exchangers
    Other Heat Exchanger Entropy Generation Studies
    Distribution of Heat Exchanger Area on the Absolute Temperature Scale
    Distribution of Heat Transfer Area in Counterflow Heat Exchangers
    Problems
    Insulation Systems
    Power Plants and Refrigeration Plants as Insulation Systems
    The Generation of Entropy in an Insulation with Fixed Geometry
    Optimum Continuous Cooling Regime
    Counterflow Heat Exchangers as One-Dimensional Insulations
    Parallel Insulations
    Intermediate Cooling or Heating of Insulation Systems for Power and Refrigeration Plants
    Problems
    Storage Systems
    Sensible Heat Storage
    Optimum Heating and Cooling Processes Subject to Time Constraint
    Hot Storage vs. Cold Storage
    Latent Heat Storage
    Power Generation
    Model with Bypass Heat Leak and Two Finite-Size Heat Exchangers
    Power Plant Viewed as an Insulation Between Heat Source and Ambient
    Combined-Cycle Power Plant
    Optimal Combustion Chamber Temperature
    Other Power Plant Optimization Studies
    Why Maximum Power Means Minimum Entropy Generation Rate
    Maximum Power from Fluid Flow
    Problems
    Solar-Thermal Power Generation
    Models with Collector Heat Loss to the Ambient
    Collector-Ambient Heat Loss and Collector-Engine Heat Exchanger
    Collector-Ambient Heat Loss and Engine-Ambient Heat Exchanger
    Storage by Melting
    Extraterrestrial Solar Power Plant
    Nonisothermal Collectors
    Time-Varying Conditions
    Other Areas of Solar Power Conversion Study
    Problems
    Refrigeration
    Refrigeration Plant Model with Heat Transfer Irreversibilities
    Model with Heat Leak in Parallel with Reversible Compartment
    Model with Cold End Heat Exchanger and Room Temperature Heat Exchanger
    Minimization of the Heat-Leak Entropy Generation
    Problems
    Time-Dependent Operation
    Defrosting Refrigerators
    Cleaning the Heat Exchanger of a Power Plant
    Power Plants Driven by Heating from a Bed of Hot Dry Rock
    Maximum Rate of Ice Production
    Problems
    Appendices
    Local Entropy Generation Rate
    Variational Calculus
    Author Index
    Subject Index

    Biography

    Adrian Bejan