A comprehensive study of electrodeposition by response surface methodology with presenting hybrid bi-conductive surfaces for promoting pool boiling

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of simultaneously changing influential parameters of the electrodeposition method, with proposing an intensified approach for promoting the pool boiling process by creating hybrid bi-conductive surfaces. With the help of surface response methodology (RSM), current density, time, and the number of electrodeposition steps were varied to experimentally study the wickability, porosity, thickness, and maximum heat transfer coefficient (HTC) of fifteen coated samples. Boiling experiments were performed with deionized water at atmospheric pressure. The characteristics of surfaces were studied by conducting scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and profilometry tests. The results of three-dimensional graphs showed that with increasing the number of steps, the wickability became independent of time and current density of the electrodeposition process, while the thickness of the porous layer increased. Also, when the porosity peaked, the HTC plummeted, which can be due to the water replenishment obstacles. In addition, experimental correlations for the desired parameters were extracted using the regression model. Finally, by combining electrodeposition and bi-conductive methods in the electrodeposited sample with low-conductive channels of 1.5 mm width and 2.5 mm pitch, heat flux and HTC improved by 62% and 260% compared to the plain sample, respectively.