Numerical Investigation of Flow and Heat Transfer Performance of Nano-Encapsulated Phase Change Material Slurry in Microchannels

Abstract

Microchannels are used in applications where large amount of heat is produced. Phase change material (PCM) slurries can be used as a heat transfer fluid in microchannels as they provide increased heat capacity during the melting of phase change material. For the present numerical investigation, performance of a nano-encapsulated phase change material slurry in a manifold microchannel heat sink was analyzed. The slurry was modeled as a bulk fluid with varying specific heat. The temperature field inside the channel wall is solved three dimensionally and is coupled with the three dimensional velocity and temperature fields of the fluid. The model includes the microchannel fin or wall effect, axial conduction along the length of the channel, developing flow of the fluid and not all these features were included in previous numerical investigations. Influence of parameters such as particle concentration, inlet temperature, melting range of the PCM, and heat flux is investigated, and the results are compared with the pure single phase fluid.

Numerical Analysis of Entropy Generation and Pressure Drop Performance of Phase Change Material Slurries in Microchannels of High Heat Generating Electronic Devices

“…One latest method gaining importance is using Phase Change Material particles with fluid in microchannels, this improve the heat storage capacity and helps in effective heat removal [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. The drawback of this method is that by increasing the PCM particles volume concentration in the slurry, viscosity of slurry also increases which in turn increase the pumping power demands and entropy generation [2].…”

“…PCM slurry physical properties are function of particles volume concentration and temperature dependent [3]. Shell encapsulating nanoparticles has no effect of PCM slurry performance [5]. The carrier fluid and PCM particles are flowing with same temperature and velocity [5].…”

“…Shell encapsulating nanoparticles has no effect of PCM slurry performance [5]. The carrier fluid and PCM particles are flowing with same temperature and velocity [5]. Homogenous distribution of Nanoparticles are assumed [5].…”

“…The carrier fluid and PCM particles are flowing with same temperature and velocity [5]. Homogenous distribution of Nanoparticles are assumed [5]. When PCM particles reached the melting temperature range, they melts instantly [5].…”

“…Homogenous distribution of Nanoparticles are assumed [5]. When PCM particles reached the melting temperature range, they melts instantly [5].…”