Extended performance evaluation criteria for enhanced heat transfer surfaces: Heat transfer through ducts with constant heat flux (Q1841284)

The objective is to derive criterion equations for enhanced heat transfer surfaces based on the entropy production theorem to include the effeet of fluid temperature variation along the length of a tubular heat exchanger. The equations originate from various design constraints, and generalize the performance evaluation criteria for enhanced heat transfer techniques obtained by means of first law analysis. The author shows that the general evaluation criteria add new information to Bejan's entropy generation minimization method, assessing two objectives simultaneously [\textit{A. Bejan}, Entropy generation through heat and fluid flow, Wiley, New York (1982)]. The criteria may help to display inappropriate enhanced surfaces and assist the engineer to design better heat transfer equipment. The corresponding corrrelation equations for Stanton and Nusselt numbers are demonstrated on graphs as functions of Reynolds number. An additional important conclusion is that the optimum rib-height-to-diameter ratio for the heat exchanger considered is about 0.04.