Some Aspects of Microchannel Heat Transfer

TLDR: In this article, the fundamental flow and heat transfer phenomena in microchannels, the most common numerical and experimental characterization techniques, microfabrication methods, and the application of micro-channels in thermal management of high heat flux electronics are discussed.

Abstract: Systems for energy conversion, heat rejection, and sensing and control often incorporate heat exchange devices. Recent developments in microfabrication and assembly methods have led to significant miniaturization of these systems. Miniaturized heat exchange devices have commonly utilized microchannel flow passages. This chapter reviews the fundamental flow and heat-transfer phenomena in microchannels, the most common numerical and experimental characterization techniques, microfabrication methods, and the application of microchannels in thermal management of high heat flux electronics. The range of channel hydraulic diameters covered in this chapter is from a few micrometers to a few millimeters where the larger diameter transport characteristics become valid.