Flow of Microencapsulated Phase Change Material Slurry through Planar Spiral Coil

Forced convection cooling is an effective method in thermal management that relies mainly on dissipating heat by pumping heat transfer fluid (HTF) through the heat source. In this paper, we investigate the thermal properties enhancement of dielectric water as the HTF. To enhance the properties of the HTF, microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCM) will be added to the base fluid. The MPCMs are composed of phase change material (PCM) encapsulated with shell materials. The PCM inside the capsules may undergo a phase change. This leads to a significant heat gain and release. The numerical model is developed to solve for continuity, momentum, and heat transfer equations using the finite volume method. The behavior of the MPCM slurry in curved channels, generates unique patterns due to different viscosity values and the centrifugal forces. Our preliminary numerical data on MPCM slurry through planar spiral coil heat exchangers show the new patterns of velocity and heat transfer curves. The current paper studies the steady condition of laminar flow at different boundary conditions. The velocity and temperature profiles, heat transfer data with different mass fractions of MPCM additives to the base fluid, and their heat removal capabilities are quantified and discussed in detail.