Diffuser and nozzle design optimization by entropy generation minimization

Abstract

Diffusers and nozzles within a flow system are optimized with respect to their wall shapes for a given change in cross sections. The optimization target is a low value of the head loss coefficient K, which can be linked to the overall entropy generation due to the conduit component. First, a polynomial shape of the wall with two degrees of freedom is assumed. As a second approach six equally spaced diameters in a diffuser are determined by a genetic algorithm such that the entropy generation and thus the head loss is minimized. It turns out that a visualization of cross section averaged entropy generation rates along the flow path should be used to identify sources of high entropy generation before and during the optimization. Thus it will be possible to decide whether a given parametric representation of a component's shape only leads to a redistribution of losses or (in the most-favored case) to minimal values for K. © 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.