Second law analysis in heat transfer

The second law of thermodynamics is used as a basis for evaluating the irreversibility (entropy generation) associated with simple heat transfer processes. In the first part of this paper, the irreversibility production is analyzed from the local level, at one point in a convective heat transfer arrangement. The second part of the paper is devoted to a limited review of second law analysis applied to classic engineering components for heat exchange. In this category, the paper includes such topics as: heat transfer augmentation techniques, heat exchanger design, and thermal insulation systems. Analytical methods for evaluating and minimizing the irreversibility associated with textbook-type components of heat transfer equipment are presented.