LAUSR

Abstract Second-law-based minimum operation cost optimization is performed based on constructal theory for in-line cylindrical pin-fin heat sinks (PFHS). With the minimum operation cost which is based on the entropy generation rate (EGR) as the objective, the optimal values of diameter, height to diameter aspect ratio and quantity of cylindrical pin-fin are achieved by combining the analytical and numerical method, the effects of fin-material fraction (FMF), heat transfer load (HTL) of the PFHS, fluid velocity (FV) and cost ratio on variations of the operation cost of the PFHS with the diameter of pin-fin are analyzed. The results indicate that when the single freedom degree optimization is performed, the minimum operation cost and the optimum constructs are various under various FMF, the HTL, the FV and the cost ratio in the research range of parameters; when the double freedom degree optimization is carried out, the operation cost of the PFHS increases with the height to width aspect ratio of the PFHS increasing.