Employing a validated computer simulation model, entropy generation is analyzed in trapezoidal microchannels for steady laminar flow of pure water and CuO-water nanofluids. Focusing on microchannel heat sink applications, local and volumetric entropy rates caused by frictional and thermal effects are computed for different coolants, inlet temperatures, Reynolds numbers, and channel aspect ratios. It was found that there exists an optimal Reynolds number range to operate the system due to the characteristics of the two different entropy sources, both related to the inlet Reynolds number. Microchannels with high aspect ratios have a lower suitable operational Reynolds number range. The employment of nanofluids can further minimize entropy generation because of their superior thermal properties. Heat transfer induced entropy generation is dominant for typical microheating systems while frictional entropy generation becomes more and more important with the increase in fluid inlet velocity/Reynolds number.
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