Heat transfer enhancement in phase-change heat exchangers

Abstract

The paper presents the results of boiling heat transfer enhancement due to the application of additional mesh on the heat exchanger surface. The copper mesh of porosity of 75% was sintered to the copper heater producing strong bonds between the elements. The results indicate a possibility of significant improvement of heat transfer conditions in comparison to the smooth surface. The heat flux was found to be almost six times higher for the same superheat if the mesh structure was applied. Distilled water and ethanol were the working fluids. The investigations were performed under atmospheric pressure.

First published online: 03 Apr 2014