ISSN Online: 2377-424X
ISBN Print: 1-56032-797-9
International Heat Transfer Conference 11
THERMODYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION IN HEAT TRANSFER
Resumo
This keynote paper reviews a modern transformation
in heat transfer: the increasingly important roles played
by thermodynamics principles and design considerations
in problem formulation. Thermodynamic optimization,
or entropy generation minimization is the method that
combines into simple models the most basic concepts of
heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.
These simple models are used in the optimization of real
(irreversible) devices and processes, subject to finite-size
constraints. The method is illustrated by means of
examples from cryogenic insulation, heat exchangers,
the cooling of electronic packages, and power and
refrigeration plants. The concluding section outlines the
recently proposed construetal theory: the geometric
minimization of the thermal resistance in systems with
internal flows, Le., far from equilibium. The discovery is
that every volume element can have its shape optimized
such that its own volume-to-point resistance is minimal.
Optimally shaped elements are grouped into a construct,
and the shape of the construct is optimized. One feature
of the emerging heat flow path is a tree network that is
completely deterministic. The paper ends with a
discussion of the constructal law as the generating
principle for macroscopic shape and structure in natural
flow systems, animate and inanimate.