Impact of selected parameters on the development of boiling and flow resistance in the minichannel

¹ Kielce University of Technology, Faculty of Mechatronics and Machine Design, Al. 1000-lecia P.P. 7, 25-314 Kielce, Poland
² Kielce University of Technology, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Geomatic and Energy Engineering, Al. 1000-lecia P.P. 7, 25-314 Kielce, Poland

^a Corresponding author: tmpmj@tu.kielce.pl

Published online: 6 May 2015

Abstract

The paper presents results of flow boiling in a rectangular minichannel 1 mm deep, 40 mm wide and 360 mm long. The heating element for FC-72 flowing in the minichannel was the thin alloy foil designated as Haynes-230. There was a microstructure on the side of the foil which comes into contact with fluid in the channel. Two types of microstructured heating surfaces: one with micro-recesses distributed evenly and another with mini-recesses distributed unevenly were used. The paper compares the impact of the microstructured heating surface and minichannel positions on the development of boiling and two phase flow pressure drop. The local heat transfer coefficients and flow resistance obtained in experiment using three positions of the minichannel, e.g.: 0°, 90° and 180° were analyzed. The study of the selected thermal and flow parameters (mass flux density and inlet pressure), geometric parameters and type of cooling liquid on the boiling heat transfer was also conducted. The most important factor turned out to be channel orientation. Application of the enhanced heating surface caused the increase of the heat transfer coefficient from several to several tens per cent, in relation to the plain surface.