Analysis of entropy generation due to natural convection in square enclosures with multiple discrete heat sources

Entropy generation due to natural convection in an enclosure heated locally from below with two isoflux sources was investigated. The flow and temperature fields were determined by numerical simulation of two-dimensional laminar conservation equations for mass, momentum and energy. For heaters of equal length and strength, the effects of Rayleigh number and heater position on flow and temperature fields and local entropy generation were examined. For heaters of unequal heater length and heater strength, the effects of heater length and strength ratios were investigated. Minimum entropy generation rate was achieved for the same condition at which the minimum peak heater temperature was obtained. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.