Author:
Pontes P,Perez M,Moreira A L N,Moita A S
Abstract
Abstract
This paper addresses part of a wider project aiming at the development of a microchannel based heat sink to cool photovoltaic panels. The work presented here gives emphasis to working conditions leading to flow boiling in a microchannel and focuses on flow instabilities and on the potential effect of surface microstructuring in heat transfer enhancement and in controlling such instabilities. After identifying the flow boiling regimes, the observed phenomena are qualitatively and quantitatively described. The results show that a regular pattern of microcavities on the surface to cool enhances heat transfer and promotes the occurrence of a more stable flow.