Entropy generation during fluid flow in sharp edge wavy channels with horizontal pitch

Abstract

In this study, the volumetric entropy generation rate is analyzed in sharp edge wavy channels. A two-dimensional steadily developing fluid flow is considered. Air is considered as the working fluid in the numerical analysis. Two parameters, Reynolds number (Re) and the horizontal-pitch-to-module-length ratio, are considered as variables. The effect of these variables on the volumetric entropy generation is analyzed numerically using a finite volume technique. Domain discretization was made using a body-fitted coordinate system. The volumetric entropy generation profiles for varying Re number and the horizontal pitch are discussed. It is found that the total entropy generation increases considerably with the increase in the Re number. For the Re number range of 25-400, the total entropy generation in the second module near the inlet varied from 0.38 to 18922.67 W/K, respectively. However, the entropy generation rate was found to decrease along the channel through the modules, as the periodic steady conditions were approached in the subsequent modules.