Impact of selected thermal and flow parameters on flow boiling heat transfer in a minichannel

Abstract

This paper reports an impact of selected thermal and flow parameters i.e., mass flux and inlet pressure on flow boiling heat transfer in a minichannel. Research was carried out on the experimental set up with the test section fitted with a single, rectangular and vertically oriented minichannel 1.7 mm deep. Infrared thermography was used to determine changes in the temperature on the outer side of the heated minichannel wall in the central part of the minichannel. The heated element for HFE-649 flowing in the minichannel was a thin alloy plate, made of Haynes-230. Local values of heat transfer coefficient for stationary state conditions were calculated using a simple one-dimensional method. Analysis of the results was based on experimental series obtained for the same heat flux, various mass fluxes and average inlet pressures. The experimental results are presented as the relationship between the heat transfer coefficient and the distance along the minichannel length and boiling curves. The highest local heat transfer coefficients were obtained for the lower average inlet pressure and for the highest mass flux at lower heat flux.