Comparison of entropy minimization principles in heat exchange and a short-cut principle: EoTD

In this paper the principles called ‘equipartition of forces, EoF’ and ‘equipartition of entropy production, EoEP’ are compared in minimizing the entropy production in heat exchange. Entropy production rates for various cases are calculated according to both principles. The calculations show that entropy productions calculated with EoEP principle are always smaller than those calculated with EoF principle although the differences are considerably small. It is also shown that the heat exchange with EoEP principle implied TH/TC=const. Additionally, a new approach, equipartition of temperature difference, EoTD, has been tested comparatively. Although the entropy production rates calculated by this approach are slightly larger than those of two other principles, it can be used as a new principle for quick determination. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.