Entropy generation analysis as a design tool-A review

This paper presents a critical review of contributions to the theory and application of entropy generation analysis to different types of engineering systems. The focus of the work is only on contributions oriented toward the use of entropy generation analysis as a tool for the design and optimization of engineering systems. A detailed derivation of the existing entropy generation formulations is first presented, and the two more popular approaches are discussed: the entropy generation minimization (EGM) and the entropy generation analysis (EGA). The relevant literature is further classified in two categories, depending on whether the level of the analysis is global or local. This review will further clarify the use of entropy generation-based design methods, indicate the areas for future work, and provide the necessary information for further research in the development of efficient engineering systems.