Implementation of a Non-Equilibrium Exergy Analysis for an Aircraft Thermal Management System

System optimization and design of an aircraft is required to achieve multiple objectives. Often one of the main objectives is system efficiency for reduction in fuel use for a given mission. System efficiency can be quantified by either a 1st or 2nd law thermodynamic analysis. A 2nd law exergy analysis can provide a more robust means of accounting for all of the energy flows within and in between subsystems. These energy flows may be thermal, chemical, electrical, pneumatic, etc. The incorporation of a transient system analysis in the design process of an aircraft can provide untapped opportunities for gains in energy efficiency of the aircraft's operation. In order to quantify the efficiency gains utilizing a 2nd law exergy analysis, the non-equilibrium term of exergy generation must be accounted for in the analysis. This paper demonstrates the implementation of a non-equilibrium exergy analysis of a heat exchanger.