Design and Experimental Evaluation of Innovative Wire-to-Plane Fins’ Configuration for Atmosphere Corona-Discharge Cooling Devices

Electro-fluid-dynamic cooling devices (EFAs) are being recognized due to their enormous advantages for their application in several industrial sectors, their performance benefits from generated ionic winds and their singular features, which make them competitive with conventional fans and heatsinks. Due to the problems in the electronics industry, where traditional refrigeration systems are not effective due to their dimensions, this study analyzes an innovative arrangement based on wire-to-plane fins by direct current (DC) positive corona discharge in atmospheric air for applications. The paper focuses on optimizing the multicriteria geometry of the electrodes. Several parameters are analyzed such as the gap between emitter and ground electrodes, the electrode materials and geometry, the diameter of the high-voltage electrode and the influence of the dielectric barriers located near the corona electrode to improve heat exchange. Experimental validation shows the potential of this arrangement related to weight, volume, non-mobile parts and silence.

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Experimental Investigation and Comparison of the Thermal Performance of Additively and Conventionally Manufactured Heat Exchangers

Metals ◽

10.3390/met11040574 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 574

Author(s):

Ana Vafadar ◽

Ferdinando Guzzomi ◽

Kevin Hayward

Keyword(s):

Surface Roughness ◽

Thermal Performance ◽

Heat Exchangers ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Cooling System ◽

Fluid Dynamic ◽

Dynamic Performance ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Manufacturing Method ◽

Industrial Sectors

Air heat exchangers (HXs) are applicable in many industrial sectors because they offer a simple, reliable, and cost-effective cooling system. Additive manufacturing (AM) systems have significant potential in the construction of high-efficiency, lightweight HXs; however, HXs still mainly rely on conventional manufacturing (CM) systems such as milling, and brazing. This is due to the fact that little is known regarding the effects of AM on the performance of AM fabricated HXs. In this research, three air HXs comprising of a single fin fabricated from stainless steel 316 L using AM and CM methods—i.e., the HXs were fabricated by both direct metal printing and milling. To evaluate the fabricated HXs, microstructure images of the HXs were investigated, and the surface roughness of the samples was measured. Furthermore, an experimental test rig was designed and manufactured to conduct the experimental studies, and the thermal performance was investigated using four characteristics: heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, thermal fluid dynamic performance, and friction factor. The results showed that the manufacturing method has a considerable effect on the HX thermal performance. Furthermore, the surface roughness and distribution, and quantity of internal voids, which might be created during and after the printing process, affect the performance of HXs.

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