Heat Transfer In Minichannels Research Articles

Numerical study of flow boiling heat transfer in a mini-channel under hyper-gravity

Gravity plays a crucial role in influencing bubble behavior and heat transfer in flow boiling, and its impact can vary significantly in aerospace settings. Therefore, this study aims to numerically investigate flow boiling heat transfer in a rectangular mini-channel under hyper-gravity conditions, specifically at 12 times the normal gravity. To accomplish this, a coupled volume-of-fluid and level set method is employed, taking into account fluid-solid conjugated heat transfer as well as a nucleus site density model derived from experimental data. By reproducing the flow pattern and heat transfer characteristics under different heat flux and flow rate conditions, the study unveils the effects of hyper-gravity on flow boiling heat transfer. When the flow rate is lower under hyper-gravity conditions, a notable phenomenon occurs wherein numerous bubbles detach from the heating wall and coalesce into a vapor film at the top of the mini-channel due to increased buoyancy. In contrast, under normal gravity, bubbles merge and slide on the heating wall, leading to the formation of a dry patch below. Consequently, hyper-gravity results in a lower wall superheat, and the disparity in average wall superheat between normal and high gravities escalates as the added heat flux rises. Notably, in the hyper-gravity environment, the frequent detachment of bubbles in the middle and downstream sections of the mini-channel leads to an initial increase in wall superheating, followed by a plateau along the flow direction. As the flow rate increases, the inertial force intensifies. However, intriguingly, the discrepancy in flow boiling heat transfer between normal and high gravities does not exhibit a monotonic decrease with the increasing flow rate. This behavior can be attributed to the pressing of more bubbles onto the heating wall under normal gravity, resulting in the formation of dry patches at high velocities.

Investigations of Flow Boiling in Mini-Channels: Heat Transfer Calculations with Temperature Uncertainty Analyses

The article aims to explore boiling heat transfer in mini-channels with a rectangular cross-section using various fluids (HFE-649, HFE-7000, HFE-7100, and HFE-7200). Temperature measurements were conducted using infrared thermography for the heated wall and K-type thermocouples for the working fluid. The 2D mathematical model for heat transfer in the test section was proposed. Local heat transfer coefficients between the heated wall and the working fluid were determined from the Robin condition. The problem was solved by means of the finite element method (FEM) with Trefftz functions. The values of the heat transfer coefficient that were obtained were compared with the results calculated from Newton’s law of cooling. The average relative differences between the obtained results did not exceed 4%. The study included uncertainty analyses for temperature measurements with K- and T-type thermocouples. Expanded uncertainties were calculated using the uncertainty propagation and Monte Carlo methods. Precisely determining the uncertainties in contact temperature measurements is crucial to ensure accurate temperature data for subsequent heat transfer calculations. The results of the heat transfer investigations were compared in terms of fluid temperature, heat transfer coefficients, and boiling curves. HFE-7200 consistently exhibited the highest fluid temperature and temperature differences at boiling incipience, while HFE-7000 demonstrated the highest heat transfer coefficients. HFE-649 showed the lowest heat transfer coefficients. The boiling curves exhibited a typical shape, with a notable occurrence of ‘nucleation hysteresis phenomena’. Upon the analysis of two-phase flow patterns, bubbly and bubbly-slug structures were observed.

Effects of the position and perforation parameters of the delta winglet vortex generators on flow and heat transfer in minichannels

Minichannel with delta winglet vortices generator (VG) is widely used in heat exchangers. However, there is limited research in the literature on using VG with holes in opposite wall surfaces within a channel, and there are few reports on whether the use of VG with holes in minichannel will necessarily enhance heat transfer. In this work, we consider two different VG arrangements placed on opposite walls of a channel and three parameters for opening hole diameter (0.05, 0.15, and 0.25mm). Additionally, three different pitch values (15mm∼30mm∼45mm) are examined. Under a Reynolds (Re) number ranging from 3000 to 5500, the influence of VGs placement and hole parameters on the flow and heat transfer performance through calculations of parameters such as Nusselt number (Nu), friction coefficient (f), and thermal performance factor (TPF) are evaluated. Furthermore, the vortex structures are checked using the Q method and secondary vortex strength (Se). The results are shown to demonstrate that different VG placements mainly affect the main longitudinal vortices (MLVs), secondary longitudinal vortices (SLVs), and induced corner vortices (ICVs) structures downstream of the VGs. As the opening area increases, the shape of both vortices downstream of the VGs is significantly suppressed due to the generation of a jet flow, and the ICVs may even disappear (r=0.25mm). Case 1 (the right angle of the triangular wing is close to the center of the channel) has a larger TPF value. The opening of the hole reduces the heat transfer performance compared to the non-punched case, and their Nu number and f value are reduced by 0.2%−6.9% and 0.1%−8.3%, respectively. Case 1 obtained the maximum TPF value at Re=3000, which is 1.15, and P=15mm.

Experimental investigation of pressure drop and heat transfer in minichannel with smooth and pin fin surfaces

This study investigates pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics in a minichannel heat exchanger experimentally. The experimental testing was carried out on a minichannel with a hydraulic diameter of about 2.5 mm, with smooth and embedded with circular pin-fins. The testing was conducted with different hot fluids, air and water, over different Reynolds numbers ranges, and over different heat capacity ratios (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1). The experimental study of the pressure drop covers a Reynolds number range between 100-1900 for the hot water, and Reynolds number range between 500-10,000 for the hot air. The hot fluid flows through a channel with an inline arrangement with a 1750 pin fin, while the cold fluid flows through a smooth channel. Increasing flow rates resulted in an increase in pressure drop and heat transfer coefficients. When using pin-fins surface instead of smooth surface, the overall heat transfer coefficient (U) increased by 190% when water is used as the heat transfer fluid (HTF), and the same coefficient increased by 42% when air is used as the heat transfer fluid. Similarly, the difference in pressure drop is low in the case of water-water, while in the case of air-water, the difference in pressure drop is more substantial as Reynolds number increases.

Active vortex generation and enhanced heat transfer in a 3D minichannel by Onsager–Wien effect

A 3D numerical analysis of conjugate heat transfer in a rectangular minichannel in the presence of vortices generated by electric field induced Onsager–Wien effect has been performed. Fully coupled governing equations for flow, heat transfer, electric potential and charge transport are solved using the finite-volume framework of OpenFOAM®. Present study proposes a novel approach to increase mixing and heat transfer in a minichannel using the vortices generated by Onsager–Wien effect. Effects of the flow Reynolds number Re and electric Reynolds number ReEL on the thermo-hydraulic performance of the minichannel have been analyzed. The Onsager–Wien effect produces small flow vortices in the vicinity of thin plate electrodes flushed to the top and bottom walls of the channel. These vortices enhance the fluid mixing, deplete the thermal boundary layer and increase the heat transfer. The Onsager–Wien effect produces stable and prominent vortex structures at low Reynolds numbers. Whereas, the inertial force begins to dominate at higher Re and the vortices get smeared in the positive flow direction. In general, the heat transfer enhancement is directly proportional to the electric Reynolds number ReEL. A maximum of 48.25% increase in mean Nusselt number is observed within the parameter space considered herein. Results of this study indicate that, thermal boundary layer depletion and mixing by electric-field-induced Onsager–Wien effect substantially enhances the heat transfer performance of a minichannel, with a trivial additional electric power consumption. Results of the present numerical study will serve as a benchmark to design minichannel heat sinks with enhanced heat transfer based on thermal boundary layer depletion by application of weak/medium electric fields.

Thermal boundary layer depletion in minichannels by electrohydrodynamic conduction pumping

The article presents a numerical analysis of two-dimensional laminar flow and heat transfer in a minichannel with flat plate electrode pairs periodically flushed to the bottom wall. The two-way coupled governing equations of flow, heat transfer, electric potential and charge conservation are solved using the opensource finite-volume framework of OpenFOAM. Two cases of the minichannel at completely horizontal (case A) and 90° bent (case B) configurations are considered. The inlet laminar flow with Reynolds number varying from 10 to 1000 has been taken into account. The applied electric potential is varied in three steps 0, 0.5 and 1 kV. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pumping due to the residual conductivity of the working fluid and the electric-field enhanced dissociation of free charges generate vortices in the proximity of electrodes. The flow and thermal performance of the minichannel in the presence of EHD conduction induced vortices are quantified in terms of pressure drop, Nusselt number and a performance factor (which is a combined function of pressure drop and Nusselt number). The vortices generated by EHD conduction pumping phenomenon deplete the thermal boundary layer, aid mixing and enhance the heat transfer. The mean and local Nusselt numbers are notably increased with only a minimal raise in pressure drop. In both the configurations of the minichannel, the performance factor is greater than 1 for the entire parameter space considered in this study. However, the thermal boundary layer depletion and heat transfer enhancement is prominent at low Reynolds number flows. The maximum drop in performance factor from case A to case B is only 18.5%. Results of this study indicate that EHD conduction pumping is a potential technique to enhance heat transfer in minichannels with minimum additional power consumption.

Effects of the configuration of the delta winglet longitudinal vortex generators and channel height on flow and heat transfer in minichannels

Minichannels with the delta winglet longitudinal vortex generators (LVGs) is commonly used in the heat exchanger. However, there are few studies on the configuration of LVGs on the opposite walls and the large aspect ratio of the channel in the existing literature. In this paper, five LVGs configurations including arrangement on the opposite walls are considered, and four channel heights (1, 2, 4 and 8 mm) are considered to achieve a wide coverage of the channel aspect ratio (0.125–1). In the Reynolds number range of 3000 to 18,000, the effects of LVGs configuration and channel height on flow and heat transfer are obtained by evaluating parameters such as friction factor, Nusselt number, thermal performance factor (TPF), field synergy and frictional entropy generation rate and analyzing the vortex structure displayed by Ω method. The results show that the LVGs configuration and channel height mainly affect the main vortex behavior downstream of LVGs, but have little effect on the vortex structure near LVGs. The Mixed configuration at H = 1 mm and the CFU1 configuration at H = 2 mm have better heat transfer enhancement performance, and their Nusselt numbers are increased by 28–35% and 27–33%, respectively, compared with smooth channels. In addition, the configuration selection aiming at high overall performance under different conditions is given.

Development of FEM Calculation Methods to Analyse Subcooled Boiling Heat Transfer in Minichannels Based on Experimental Results

Even though two-phase heat transfer of refrigerants in minichannel heat sinks has been studied extensively, there is still a demand for improvements in overall thermal performance of miniature heat transfer exchangers. Experimental investigation and sophisticated heat transfer calculations with respect to heat transfer devices are still needed. In this work, a time-dependent experimental study of subcooled boiling was carried out for FC-72 flow in a heat sink, comprising of five asymmetrically heated minichannels. The heater surface temperature was continuously monitored by an infrared camera. The boiling heat transfer characteristics were investigated and the effect of the mass flow rate on the heat transfer coefficient was studied. In order to solve the heat transfer problem related to time-dependent flow boiling, two numerical methods, based on the FEM were applied, and based on the Trefftz functions (FEMT) and using the ADINA program. The results achieved with these two calculation methods were explored with an emphasis on the impact of the mass flow rate (range from 5 to 55 kg/h) on the resulting heat transfer coefficient. It was found that, with increasing mass flow, the heat transfer coefficient increased. Good agreement was found between the heat transfer coefficients, determined according to two numerical methods and the simple 1D calculation method.

Investigation on visualization and heat transfer performance study of the mini-channel flow boiling

In recent years, mini-channel water flow boiling has been proven to have favorable cooling capability, especially for electronic component heat dissipation. Nevertheless, the fundamental principles related to flow boiling in mini-channel water lack clear comprehension, and the relevant experimental data on heat transfer performance and CHF visualization need to be supplemented. The behavior of vapor bubbles was explored in detail through visualization experiments to elucidate the mechanism of flow boiling and heat transfer in mini-channels. Meanwhile, the effects of mass flux, heat flux and tilt angle on the flow boiling of water and the CHF characteristics were revealed clearly though a series of crossover experiments. The results showed that in mini-channel water flow boiling, mass flux and heat flux will have effects on vapor bubble behavior, especially the merging of vapor bubbles, and then modify the heat transfer coefficient, and the mass flux in the optimal range exists. The tilt angle has less effect on the heat transfer coefficient, but affects the rate of vapor bubble growth. After local dryness the heat transfer mechanism transitions directly to film boiling instead of transition boiling, the boiling curve grows linearly with the wall superheat, and the CHF increases with increased mass flux. The research content of this paper helps to fill the gap in the experimental study of flow boiling in mini-channel and provides guidance for related practical applications.

Combined effect of electric field and nanofluid on bubble behaviors and heat transfer in flow boiling of minichannels

In this work, electric field and nanofluid are coupled to enhance flow boiling heat transfer in minichannel. Pin electrodes are adopted to create non-uniform electric field. The effects of nanoparticle mass concentration, surfactant type and mass concentration under electric field on nanofluid flow boiling heat transfer are studied. Image analysis technique is used to quantify boiling bubble behaviors. The results demonstrate that without electric field, bubbles for nanofluid flow boiling are smaller and more discrete than R141b. Under electric field, bubble size reduces and the number of bubbles increases, which reveals synergy effect of electric field and nanofluid on bubble behaviors is effective. Besides, electric forces mitigate bubble coalescence and delay transition from bubbly to slug flow. Maximum heat transfer coefficient of nanofluid is 80% higher than R141b. Under electric field, boiling heat transfer of nanofluid modified by anionic surfactant (SDBS) is better than cationic (CTAB) and nonionic (Span80) surfactant. • Electric field and nanofluid were devised to enhance flow boiling of minichannel. • Bubble behaviors and flow pattern transition in nanofluid flow boiling under electric field was discussed. • Synergy effects of electric field and nanofluids on enhancing flow boiling heat transfer was discussed. • Maximum heat transfer enhancement ratio of 1.8 for nanofluid and electric field is obtained.

A MCDM Methodology to Determine the Most Critical Variables in the Pressure Drop and Heat Transfer in Minichannels

This paper proposes a methodology aiming at determining the most influent working variables and geometrical parameters over the pressure drop and heat transfer during the condensation process of several refrigerant gases using heat exchangers with pipes mini channels technology. A multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methodology was used; this MCDM includes a mathematical method called SIMUS (Sequential Interactive Modelling for Urban Systems) that was applied to the results of 2543 tests obtained by using a designed refrigeration rig in which five different refrigerants (R32, R134a, R290, R410A and R1234yf) and two different tube geometries were tested. This methodology allows us to reduce the computational cost compared to the use of neural networks or other model development systems. This research shows six variables out of 39 that better define simultaneously the minimum pressure drop, as well as the maximum heat transfer, saturation pressure fluid entering the condenser being the most important one. Another aim of this research was to highlight a new methodology based on operation research for their application to improve the heat transfer energy efficiency and reduce the CO2 footprint derived of the use of heat exchangers with minichannels.

Heat Transfer Coefficient, Pressure Gradient, and Flow Patterns of R1234yf Evaporating in Microchannel Tube

Abstract This paper presents the heat transfer coefficient, pressure gradient, and flow pattern of R1234yf in a microchannel tube. Both heat transfer coefficient and pressure gradient are presented against real saturation pressure, while flow pattern captures at the exit of data points are presented in the same plot. The experiment was conducted on a 24-port microchannel tube with an average hydraulic diameter of 0.643 mm. The experiment covers mass flux from 100 to 200 kg m−2s−1, heat flux from 0 to 6 kW m−2, vapor quality from 0 to 1, and inlet saturation temperature from 10 to 30 °C. Comparing the correlations to the HTC measurements at very low quality (about 0.1), Gorenflo, D., and Kenning, D. (2010, Pool Boiling, in: VDI Heat Atlas, 2nd ed, Springer, pp. 757–788) agree with the results. As vapor quality increases, pressure gradient increases. The adiabatic pressure gradient is a strong function of mass flux and saturation pressure (temperature). Flow patterns of R1234yf are also affected by mass flux and saturation pressure. The heat transfer coefficient is a strong function of mass flux and heat flux. The saturation temperature has a smaller effect on HTC in the condition range (10 – 30 °C). Under the test range, the accelerating pressure drop is insignificant compared to friction. Comparing to the results, Mishima, K., and Hibiki, T. (1996, “Some Characteristics of Air-Water Two-Phase Flow in Small Diameter Vertical Tubes,” Int. J. Multiph. Flow, 22(4), pp. 703–712) and Muller-Steinhagen, H., and Heck, K. (1986, “A Simple Friction Pressure Drop Correlation for Two-Phase Flow in Pipes,” Accessed March 1, 2018)., 20, pp. 297–308.) have small mean absolute error (MAE) to predict local pressure gradient. For the heat transfer coefficient, Sun, L., and Mishima, K. (2009, “An Evaluation of Prediction Methods for Saturated Flow Boiling Heat Transfer in Mini-Channels,” Int. J. Heat Mass Transf, 52(23–24), pp. 5323–5329) and Gungor, K. E., and Winterton, R. H. S. (1986, “A General Correlation for Flow Boiling in Tubes and Annuli,” Int. J. Heat Mass Transf, 29(3), pp. 351–358) have an MAE less than 30%.

Machine learning based approach for the prediction of flow boiling/condensation heat transfer performance in mini channels with serrated fins

Two phase flow boiling and condensation heat transfer in mini channels are promising technologies in handling the challenges of modern thermal management in various fields. In this paper, experimental systems were developed to generate data for flow boiling and condensation of refrigerant R134a in two mini channels with serrated fins under various working conditions. Based on these data, machine learning based Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were trained to predict the heat transfer performance for both flow boiling and condensation. The proposed ANN models predict the heat transfer coefficient satisfactorily with a Mean Absolute Relative Deviation (MARD) of 11.41% and 6.06% for boiling and condensation respectively compared with experimental data. The test results also indicate that using the most important parameters rather than all available parameters is able to formulate a reasonable ANN model. It also reveals that the developed ANN model can be transferred in a different dataset from the same domains but shows an unacceptable performance for different domains. The proposed ANN model can illuminate future study on two phase flow and be used in practical heat exchanger design, which will benefit the advanced thermal management system.

The applicability of heat transfer correlations to flows in minichannels and new correlation for subcooled flow boiling

This paper focuses on the applicability of heat transfer correlations to flows in minichannels. The data were taken from own research conducted at the experimental stand for subcooled flow boiling heat transfer in an asymmetrically heated rectangular minichannel oriented with seven inclination angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180°) relative to the horizontal plane. Various cooling liquids (FC-72, HFE-649, HFE-7100 or HFE-7000) flowing along a minichannel were heated by a thin plate. The plate had a smooth or enhanced surface on the side that was in contact with the fluid. The enhanced surfaces were obtained by vibration-assisted laser surface texturing or electromachining. Porous surfaces produced by soldering or sintering iron powder to the heated surface were also tested. Infrared thermography was used to determine changes in temperature on the outer smooth surface of the plate. Local heat transfer coefficients in the contact surface between the heated plate and the cooling fluid were determined using the one-dimensional mathematical method. A dozen or so heat transfer correlations selected from the literature have been used in calculations. It was found that the majority of correlations enabled the predicting of Nusselt number within error bands of ±25%. The smallest mean absolute percentage error in determining the Nusselt number was obtained using Mikielewicz J. correlation. A new correlation for subcooled flow boiling heat transfer in minichannels was proposed. The mean absolute percentage error of the Nusselt number, amount to 14%, was achieved according to own correlation.

Study on Forced Convective Heat Transfer of FC-72 in Vertical Small Tubes

Abstract This paper presents an experimental investigation of the forced convective heat transfer of FC-72 in vertical tubes at various velocities, inlet temperatures, and tube sizes. Exponentially escalating heat inputs were supplied to the small tubes with inner diameters of 1, 1.8, and 2.8 mm and effective heated lengths between 30.1 and 50.2 mm. The exponential periods of heat input range from 6.4 to 15.5 s. The experimental data suggest that the convective heat transfer coefficients increase with an increase in flow velocity and µ/µw (refers to the viscosity evaluated at the bulk liquid temperature over the liquid viscosity estimated at the tube inner surface temperature). When tube diameter and the ratio of effective heated length to inner diameter decrease, the convective heat transfer coefficients increase as well. The experimental data were nondimensionalized to explore the effect of Reynolds number (Re) on forced convection heat transfer coefficient. It was found that the Nusselt numbers (Nu) are influenced by the Re for d = 2.8 mm in the same pattern as the conventional correlations. However, the dependences of Nu on Re for d = 1 and 1.8 mm show different trends. It means that the conventional heat transfer correlations are inadequate to predict the forced convective heat transfer in minichannels. The experimental data for tubes with diameters of 1, 1.8, and 2.8 mm were well correlated separately. And, the data agree with the proposed correlations within ±15%.

Water flow boiling heat transfer in vertical minichannel

In recent years, microchannel water flow boiling has demonstrated excellent heat removal capabilities, particular for nuclear reactor safety utilities, ranging from mini-scale cooling devices to chemical industry plant purposes. Of particular interest is cooling technology using water as the primary refrigerant. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the water boiling heat transfer in a minichannel conduit vertically oriented with the upward flow. The test section was a circular minichannel tube made of stainless steel with a 2.12 mm inner diameter. To observe the flow regime, the test section was equipped with sight tubes made of transparent perfluoroalkoxy alkane resin and Pyrex glass at the inlet and outlet, respectively. Water flow boiling experiments were conducted at a saturation temperature of approximately 100 °C, with the mass flux of water as the working fluid from 20 to 120 kg/m2·s, and the average vapor quality in the test section inlet of approximately 0.05 to 0.9. The predicted two-phase flow regimes at the test section were classified as three patterns, namely slug, annular, and churn flows, using a flow pattern map with the vapor quality as the abscissa versus the mass velocity as the ordinate. The flow patterns were confirmed and visualized by observations at the test section outlet sight tube. The characteristics of the heat transfer and fluid flow were analyzed. Moreover, the forced convective heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop in the test section were determined based on the experimental data. The highest mass flux yielded the highest convective heat transfer coefficient. Despite this significant heat transfer coefficient improvement, the pressure loss was higher than that for a higher mass flux, indicating that the pressure loss was more pronounced owing to the presence of the minichannel at a higher mass flux.

Research on the effect of bubble dynamics and turbulent kinetic energy on heat transfer in mini-channels filled with metal foam

This paper presents an investigation of the boiling heat transfer of R141b in a mini-channel with a 2.42-mm inner diameter filled with metal foam. Investigations are performed at velocity of 0.01 m s−1 and temperature of 450 K. The coupled level set and volume-of-fluid method is applied to simulate flow boiling in metal foam. It considers that the bubble number and the average bubble area have influence on the heat transfer coefficient. The simulation model is verified by experimental data with an emphasis on the effect of boiling bubbles and turbulent kinetic energy on heat transfer. The simulation results show that even though the bubble motion range and vortices area is smaller, more vortices appear in the channel filled with foam metal, which increase the mixing frequency and improve the heat transfer performance. Meanwhile, the heat transfer coefficient is inversely proportional to the average bubble area but proportional to the bubble number. The relationship between turbulent kinetic energy and heat transfer coefficient is also compared. Results indicate that the differentiation of turbulent kinetic energy to time appears consistent with the heat transfer coefficient in the mini-channel filled with metal foam.

Condensation heat transfer in minichannels: a review of available correlations

Heat exchangers with enhanced performance are demanded in various engineering applications. Very often heat transfer devices are requested to guarantee not only high heat transfer coefficients but also small size and weight, thus limiting the charge of the operative fluid inside the heat exchanger. In order to increase the performance of condensers and to properly design new heat exchangers, it is essential to have predictive tools that are validated with experimental data. Sometimes, even well established semi-empirical correlations can be inaccurate in some microscale flow conditions or with new refrigerants. The present paper starts from the experimental database measured during condensation with different fluids (pure fluids and refrigerant blends) inside small channels (hydraulic diameter around 1 mm) at the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Padova. A critical review of available correlations for heat transfer during condensation in minichannels is presented. Predictions of heat transfer coefficients obtained applying selected models are compared with the experimental database that covers various refrigerants: hydrofluorocarbons (HFC, i.e. R32 and R134a), new hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) with low global warming potential (R1234ze(E)), natural refrigerants (hydrocarbons such as propane) and zeotropic refrigerant blends of HFCs and HFOs (R32/R1234ze(E)). Refrigerant mixtures are studied because for some applications they may be a proper solution. For instance in the air-conditioning industry there are not drop-in pure fluids to replace the high global warming potential (GWP) fluids currently employed (e.g. R410A). Unfortunately, the design of condensers working with zeotropic mixtures poses the additional problem to account for the mass transfer resistance that leads to a penalization of the heat transfer coefficient. Experimental data are necessary for the assessment of predicting correlations that can be used with these new refrigerants blends.

Effects of pin and wire electrodes on flow boiling heat transfer enhancement in a vertical minichannel heat sink

In this paper, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) enhancement of flow boiling heat transfer in a vertical minichannel heat sink was investigated experimentally. The pin and wire electrodes are used to create different kinds of non-uniform electric fields. Flow boiling experiments of refrigerant R-141b under electric fields are conducted under various applied voltages. The results show that the application of pin and wire electrodes can promote the Onset of Nucleate Boiling (ONB) and effectively enhance heat transfer coefficient. For the pin and wire electrodes, the EHD enhancement effect increases with the increase of applied voltage. At the same heat flux, heat transfer enhancement for pin electrode is higher than that for wire electrode at low applied voltage (U ≤ 400 V), but is lower than that for wire electrode at high applied voltage (U ≥ 550 V). Moreover, the obtained maximum enhancement ratio for pin and wire electrodes could reach 1.72 and 1.80, respectively. The influence area of pin electrode is limited, whereas the influence area of wire electrode is the entire electrode length at U ≥ 400 V. Based on the simulation and experiment results, the enhancing mechanism of EHD on flow boiling heat transfer in minichannel was discussed.

Convective dropwise condensation heat transfer in mini-channels with biphilic surface

For dropwise condensation (DWC) in confined channels, droplets slide on surface and may spoil the nano-pillars, thus the nano-pillars structure is not suitable. Here, we provide a robust biphilic surface with polymer film as hydrophobic wettability. Mesh screen is sintered on copper surface to form welding junction array. Dipping the sintered package in a Teflon solution followed by baking technique forms a hydrophobic coating film. Hydrophilic dots are exposed by separating mesh screen from copper substrate. Condensation experiment was performed in a mini-channel with dimensions of 30.0 × 3.13 × 0.97 mm3 and pure water–vapor as the working fluid. Mass flux covered a range of 10.5–63.8 kg/m2 s. It is shown that condensation heat transfer coefficients on biphilic surface were 5.54 times of those on polished copper surface, and 1.89 times of those on hydrophobic polymer layer surface, maximally. Pressure drops are almost identical in condensers with biphilic surface and hydrophobic surface. For DWC on biphilic surface, growing droplet on hydrophilic dot attracts and merges neighboring droplets to generate directional-droplets-coalescence, explained by the Gibbs energy analysis. Higher droplet departure frequency was observed on biphilic surface than hydrophobic surface. Compared with hydrophobic surface, droplet on biphilic surface has different contact angle, covers several hydrophilic dots and reduces droplet thermal resistance. The above effects explain the heat transfer enhancement mechanism when biphilic surface is present.