ABSTRACT
As the field of microfluids and micro heat transfer continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to understand the mechanisms and fundamental differences involved with heat transfer in two-phase flow in microgeometries. This paper presents a summary of the research in the area of two-phase convective heat transfer in open and closed microchannels with applications in devices such as micro heat pipes and micro heat pumps which may be used for electronic equipment cooling and potentially for macroscale cooling systems. Maximum heat fluxes of 350 W/cm2, 130 W/cm2, and 80 W/cm2 have been found for open and closed microchannel convection flow boiling, and micro heat pipes, respectively. Some of the most promising areas for future development are the areas of liquid metal heat pipes and micro vapor compression cycles.
