Numerical investigation on the heat transfer of a droplet-laden flow in a microfluidic system

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore the effectiveness and mechanism of a droplet-laden flow in a microfluidic system. Design/methodology/approach Numerical approach based on the volume of fluid method is implemented for modelling the forced heat transport in a droplet-laden flow in a microchannel. Findings The heat transfer effectiveness of droplet-laden flow is found to be obviously superior to that of a single-phase flow because of the circulation stream between the droplets. In addition, the effectiveness will be further increased when an elongated droplet is being laden because the circulation streams within and between the droplets are more pronounced. The elongated droplet size affects the heat transfer characteristics signified by Nusselt number, and there exists an optimum value at a fixed parameter. Originality/value This paper attempts to clarify the influence on the heat transfer performance when droplet with various shape and size being laden. This work is done by none before. This research work applies a solid foundation for designing a cooling system in microelectromechanical system.