Fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of low temperature two-phase micro-channel heat sinks – Part 1: Experimental methods and flow visualization results

• Published in: International journal of heat and mass transfer Vol. 51; no. 17; pp. 4315 - 4326
• Main Authors: Lee, Jaeseon, Mudawar, Issam
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Design. Technologies. Operation analysis. Testing; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; Integrated circuits; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; Flow boiling; Two phase flow; Electronic component; Liquid vapor interface; Cooling system; Flow visualization; Nucleate boiling; Critical heat flow; Experimental study; Microstructure; Heat sink; Heat transfer
• ISSN: 0017-9310; 1879-2189
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2008.02.012

A new cooling scheme is proposed where the primary working fluid flowing through a micro-channel heat sink is pre-cooled to low temperature using an indirect refrigeration cooling system. Cooling performance was explored using HFE 7100 as working fluid and four different micro-channel sizes. High-speed video imaging was employed to help explain the complex interrelated influences of hydraulic diameter, micro-channel width, mass velocity and subcooling on cooling performance. Unlike most prior two-phase micro-channel heat sink studies, which involved annular film evaporation due high void fraction, the low coolant temperatures used in this study produced subcooled flow boiling conditions. Decreasing coolant temperature delayed the onset of boiling, reduced bubble size and coalescence effects, and enhanced CHF. Heat fluxes in excess of 700 W/cm 2 could be managed without burnout. Premature CHF occurred at low mass velocities and was caused by vapor flow reversal toward the inlet plenum. This form of CHF was eliminated by decreasing coolant temperature and/or increasing flow rate.