Entropy generation analysis and dimensional optimization of an evaporator for use in a microscale refrigeration cycle

Turkakar G., OKUTUCU ÖZYURT H. T.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRIGERATION-REVUE INTERNATIONALE DU FROID, vol.56, pp.140-153, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 56
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2015.04.003
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRIGERATION-REVUE INTERNATIONALE DU FROID
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.140-153
  • Keywords: Micro-evaporator, Microscale vapor compression refrigeration cycle, Two-phase/multiphase flow, Electronics cooling, Dimensional optimization, Entropy generation minimization, MICROCHANNEL HEAT SINKS, PRESSURE-DROP CHARACTERISTICS, COOLING APPLICATIONS, MINIMIZATION METHOD, VAPOR QUALITY, 2-PHASE FLOW, FLUX
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Entropy generation in the evaporator of a microscale vapor compression refrigeration cycle is investigated under the effects of vapor quality, mass and heat flux, saturation temperature, and channel dimensions. For a variety of channel heights and mass flow rates, the optimum vapor quality, and the channel and fin widths yielding minimum entropy generation are obtained. The variation of heat transfer coefficient with vapor quality, and pressure drop with heat flux compare very well with literature. The vapor quality yielding the minimum entropy generation is found as 0.846. The optimum channel and fin widths are 66 and 50 mu m, respectively, for 700 mu m channel height. Heat transfer is the major source of the total entropy production for 200-400 mu m wide channels, while the contribution of pressure drop becomes comparable for narrower channels. The study is unique in the literature in pursuing an entropy generation minimization study for microscale two-phase flow. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.