Thermal Applications of Microchannel Flows

Abstract

There are several applications wherein high‐heat‐flux thermal transport is crucial to the reliable operation of devices, to increased efficiency of processes, and for miniaturization. Heat transport through microchannels provides an attractive method of removing such high heat fluxes. This chapter describes the basic theory of microchannel fluid flow and heat transport illustrating the distinct advantages of this technology for several process intensification applications, including those related to the aerospace industry. The state of current knowledge in single‐phase and phase‐change flows in microchannels is provided with an emphasis on the differences between thermal transport in conventional sized channels and microchannels. Practical considerations such as mitigation of flow maldistribution and/or flow oscillations and fabrication are also addressed. Several examples of use of microchannel technology in heat and mass transfer are provided.