Spray Cooling of an Inverted Heated Surface

Abstract

Experiments were performed to determine heat transfer characteristics of water sprays impacting a flat, inverted surface. Using a compressed gas tank to provide motive force in an open loop spray cooling system, droplet sprays were produced without the assistance of an atomizing gas stream. A range of droplet volumetric fluxes was produced for cooling the inverted heated surface using a full-cone spray nozzle. Heat transfer curves were plotted in the form of heat flux as a function of wall temperature difference, for volumetric flow rates up to 627 mL/min, dissipating up to 451 W/cm2. Heat transfer coefficients were also determined as functions of heat flux. The results were compared to prior data for standard, downward spraying onto heated surfaces.