Development of a two-dimensional mathematical model of flow boiling heat transfer in micro- and minichannels

Abstract

The paper concerns flow boiling heat transfer in micro- and minichannels. In the mathematical model, the steady state heat transfer process in a single asymmetrically heated minichannel was considered. Calculations with the use of Trefftz functions were based on the data from own experiments. The temperature of the heater and the refrigerant were assumed to satisfy the Laplace equations and the energy equation respectively. The problem was solved by the Trefftz method using two sets of Trefftz functions. The known heater and refrigerant temperature distributions were used to determine the heat transfer coefficient at the heater – refrigerant contact. To verify the proposed mathematical model, data from experiments were applied to calculations. The essential part of the experimental stand was the test section which comprises a minichannel heat sink. The heated element for Fluorinert FC-72 flowing along minichannels was a thin foil. The temperature of its outer side was measured using infrared thermography. Thermocouples and pressure transducers installed at the inlet and outlet of the test section monitored fluid temperature and pressure. Mass flow rate, the current supplied to the heater and the voltage drop were also recorded. The resulting graphs presented thermograms of measured temperature on outer surface of the heater, temperature distributions of fluid temperature and local values of the heat transfer coefficient.