Constructal entropy generation minimization for heat and mass transfer in a solid–gas reactor based on triangular element

The heat and mass transfer process in a solid-gas reactor is optimized based on constructal theory. The entropy generation minimization is taken as the optimization objective and a triangular element is taken as the elemental area. The aspect ratio of a triangular elemental area is optimized under constraint conditions. A number of optimal triangular elements are assembled to a new larger rectangular area and optimized again. The optimization is completed by continuing analogous work until the control area is covered. Analytical results are obtained. The effects of some parameters on minimum entropy generation are analysed by numerical examples. Smaller entropy generation can be obtained when the optimization for a given volume is carried out on the basis of triangular elements than those obtained on the basis of rectangular elements.