Representative Results for Condensation Measurements at Hydraulic Diameters ∼ 100 Microns

Abstract

Condensation pressure drops and heat transfer coefficients are measured in small quality increments in channels with 100 < Dh < 200 microns. The channels are fabricated on a copper substrate by electroforming copper onto a mask patterned by X-ray lithography, and sealed by diffusion bonding. Subcooled liquid is electrically heated to the desired quality, followed by condensation in the test section. Downstream of the test section, another electric heater is used to heat the refrigerant to a superheated state. Energy balances on the pre- and post heaters establish the refrigerant inlet and outlet states at the test section. Water at a high flow rate serves as the test section coolant to ensure that the condensation side presents the governing thermal resistance. Heat transfer coefficients are measured for 200 < G < 800 kg/m2-s for 0 < x < 1 at several different saturation temperatures. Conjugate heat transfer analyses are conducted in conjunction with local pressure drop profiles to obtain accurate driving temperature differences and heat transfer coefficients. The effects of quality, mass flux, and saturation temperature on condensation pressure drops and heat transfer coefficients are illustrated through these experiments.