Optimization of 3-D natural convection around the isothermal cylinder using Taguchi method

Abstract

This study discusses the application of Taguchi method in assessing minimum entropy generation and maximum heat transfer rate for natural convection in an enclosure embedded with isothermal cylinder. The simulations were planned based on Taguchi’s L25 orthogonal array with each trial performed under different conditions of position and aspect ratio (AR) of the cylinder. The thermal lattice Boltzmann based on D3Q19 methods without any turbulent submodels was purposed to simulate the flow and thermal fields. A relaxation time method with the stability constants is introduced to solve turbulent natural convection problems. Signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) analysis were carried out in order to determine the effects of process parameters and optimal factor settings. Isotherms, streamlines and Nusselt numbers were obtained and discussed. Total entropy generations in various cases are also reported and optimum case is presented based on minimum entropy generation and maximum heat transfer rate. Finally, confirmation tests verified that Taguchi method achieved optimization of heat transfer rate with sufficient accuracy.