Title: Irreversibility analysis in a low Peclet-number electroosmotic transport through an asymmetrically heated microchannel

Authors: Pranab K. Mondal; Somchai Wongwises

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India ' Fluid Mechanics, Thermal Engineering and Multiphase Flow Research Lab (FUTURE), Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangmod, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand

Abstract: The present study critically demonstrates the irreversibility generation rate associated with low Peclet-number electroosmotic flows through an asymmetrically heated slit. Using an analytical methodology and essentially invoking a scaling analysis without compromising the generality of the problem, the study highlights that the microscale thermal transport characteristics are largely affected by electrokinetic effects and the degree of asymmetrical wall heating. Moreover, emphasis is given to demarcate the influential role of the Joule heating and viscous dissipation effects on the microscale thermal transport characteristics for different asymmetrical wall heating scenarios. Invoking the concept of the entropy generation function, the present study also critically analyses the irreversibility generation rate for different degrees of asymmetrical wall heating. Technological implications of the present endeavour are far-reaching, particularly in the areas of microscale thermal management.

Keywords: irreversibility analysis; electroosmosis flow; asymmetric heating; joule heating; Peclet number; microchannels; viscous dissipation; wall heating; entropy generation; microscale thermal management; irreversibilities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2017.081200

International Journal of Exergy, 2017 Vol.22 No.1, pp.29 - 53

Received: 18 Aug 2015
Accepted: 24 May 2016

Published online: 26 Dec 2016 *

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