Abstract: Optimization of entropy generation in an inclined
square cavity filled with a fluid and submitted to thermal and concentration
gradients in presence of the Soret effect is numerically analyzed by solving the
mass, the momentum, the energy and the species conservation equations. Entropy
generation is evaluated as a function of: (1) the inclination angle of the
cavity b,
ranging between 0° and 180°, (2) the thermal diffusion ratio a parameter characterizing the
Soret effect phenomenon and ranging between 0 and 0.5, (3) the buoyancy ratio N,
a parameter measuring the intensity of the solutal buoyancy forces by report to
the thermal buoyancy forces and (4) the well known thermal Grashof number.
Entropy generation takes a constant minimum value for all values at and 180° for respectively,
opposite, and cooperative buoyancy forces. The inclination angle for which
entropy generation is maximum, is constant for all values. For a fixed inclination
angle, Soret effect tends always to increase the entropy generation. More
details of the influence of Soret effect on entropy generation for the special
case when is discussed.
Keywords and phrases: double diffusive convection, entropy generation, inclined enclosure, Soret effect, thermodynamics of irreversible processes.
