An equation for determining the entropy generation rate of a chilled water cooling coil is given. This equation is then separated into the individual entropy generation contributions due to pressure drop, internal heat transfer, fluid mixing, and heat loss to the environment. A Guay-Stodula type relation (I=T_wfS_g) is used to express the individual irreversibilities of a cooling coil. A numerical example reveals that the mixing and heat transfer irreversibilities of a cooling coil (often ignored in performance analyses) account for a significant percentage of the total irreversibility of the coil. The concept and advantages of using an irreversibility analysis as an optimization tool are also described.

Units: I-P