Laser Texturing, Spark Erosion and Sanding of the Surfaces and their Practical Applications in Heat Exchange Devices

Abstract

The paper describes selected passive methods of modifying properties and structures of metal surfaces. The following surface processes with thermal treatment have been used: laser surface texturing, electromachining (spark erosion) and mechanical process sand blasting. Practical aspects of the use of produced surfaces in two types of heat transfer devices have been underlined. The first one consists of the heat exchanger with a minichannel furnished with enhanced heating surface. The second one includes prototype solar collectors with the developed surface of the absorbers pipes or smooth pipes covered with developed absorber plate. Modified developed metal surfaces obtained by selected passive methods reach more effective heat transfer in comparison with smooth surfaces.