Second law analysis of crossflow heat exchanger in the presence of axial dispersion in one fluid

In the present paper second law analysis of crossflow heat exchangers has been carried out in the presence of non-uniformity of flow. This non-uniformity is modeled with the help of axial dispersion model and takes into account the back mixing and flow maldistribution. An analytical model for exergy destruction has been evaluated for the cross-flow configuration. A wide range of study of the operating parameters and non-uniform flow on exergetic behavior of crossflow heat exchangers has been carried out. The results clearly bring out not only the reason behind the maximum entropy paradox in heat exchangers but also the proper perspective of exergy destruction and the consequent optimization of crossflow heat exchangers from the second law viewpoint. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.