A critical review on recent developments and applications of microchannels in the field of heat transfer and energy

There is a rapid movement towards miniaturization in the field of micro-electronics, medical, defence, and space applications as well as an increase in thermal load density in the field of solar power. This has resulted in the requirement for technologies to be developed which enable the rapid removal of high thermal load from the components for effective and safe operation. Microchannel cooling has been one of the areas which has been investigated to provide the solution as required. This paper aims to looks at the different types of microchannels being developed, review the performance of microchannels being developed with different working fluids, explore the various structures utilized of microchannels and explore the use of microchannel in the various applications with regards to field of thermal management. Finally, future needs are proposed for extending the research and enlarging its application fields. This review paper serves as guidance for researchers to design and predict the performance of microchannel heat sinks (MCHS).