Mechanism of Nucleate Boiling Heat Transfer Enhancement From Microporous Surfaces in Saturated FC-72

Abstract

Abstract The present study is an experimental investigation of the nucleate pool boiling heat transfer enhancement mechanism of microporous surfaces immersed in saturated FC-72. Measurements of bubble size, frequency, and vapor flow rate from a plain and microporous coated 390 μm diameter platinum wire using the consecutive-photo method were taken to determine the effects of the coating on the convective and latent heat transfer mechanisms. Results of the study showed that the microporous coating augments nucleate boiling performance through increased latent heat transfer in the low heat flux region and through increased convection heat transfer in the high heat flux region. The critical heat flux for the microporous coated surface is significantly enhanced over the plain surface due to decreased latent heat transfer (decreased vapor generation rate) and/or increased hydrodynamic stability from increased vapor inertia; both of which are a direct result of increased nucleation site density.