In this paper

entropy generation analysis is applied to investigate cyclone separator. The Reynolds stress model is used to simulate the flow field in a cyclone separator with adiabatic wall. The energy loss predicted by pressure drop and exergy loss predicted by entropy generation analysis method and exergy analysis method for calculation results of computational fluid dynamics indicate the availability of the second law of thermodynamics for investigating the energy consumption in cyclone separator. The entropy generation due to turbulent dissipation

viscosity in turbulent core flows

fluid friction near the wall

and heat transfer are calculated with the computation of turbulent kinetic dissipation rate

velocity

wall shear stress and temperature. It is found that the fluid friction near the wall and turbulent dissipation are the main factors for energy loss of cyclone separator. The percent of entropy generation in the vicinity of finder vortex and dust exit with the volume ratio of 10% and 5.8% in the cyclone separator is over 14% and 16%

respectively. The result can serve as a direction to decrease energy loss of cyclone separator.