Effect of Electric Field Generated by Micro-Scaled-Electrode on Pool Boiling

This paper describes results from an experimental study of the effect of an electro-hydro-dynamics (EHD) and of an electrostatic force on the critical heat flux (CHF) in pool boiling. Dielectric liquid of HFE-7100(3M), which has a boiling point of 59.8 degrees C, was selected as a working fluid. In order to generate high electric fields with the application of low voltages, a micro patterned electrode with an array of planar comb finger was made by micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) technology. The electrode had ten slits whose width was 400 mu m between electrode pairs so as to remove vapor bubbles from a heat transfer surface by the electro static force. A cooling device fabricated with the electrode was evaluated by different applied voltages. As a result, the application of voltage enhanced heat transfer.