Second Law Analysis of a Multiport Serpentine Microchannel Heat Exchanger
Abstract
In the present work, second law analysis has been used for a steady-state cross flow microchannel heat exchanger (MCHX). This type of heat exchangers has been known for its higher heat transfer coefficient and higher area per volume ratio. Therefore, broad range studies are being carried out to optimize its performance and minimize its inefficiencies. In the current study, entropy generation and exergy loss have been employed to investigate a multiport serpentine slab MCHX with ethylene glycol-water and air as the working fluids. Conservation of energy and the increase in entropy principles were used to create a mathematical model that uses different parameters such as heat capacity rate ratio, fluids inlet temperatures, effectiveness and pressure drop for obtaining entropy generation. Results were found on the basis of the behaviour of the dimensionless entropy generation number with the key parameters. A good agreement between the predicted and the measured results was found.