Minimal dissipation conditions of heat exchange systems

The study estimates minimal entropy production, the corresponding distribution of heat exchange surfaces and contact temperatures for heat exchange systems with fixed total heat load and constant heat transfer coefficients for the whole system. Mathematical conditions to reach this minimal entropy production are found. For a typical heat exchange system entropy production can be expressed through flow's temperatures. Comparison of the actual entropy production with its minimal value leads to estimates of thermodynamic feasibility and efficiency of the system.