The design, fabrication, and evaluation of a ceramic counter-flow microchannel heat exchanger

• Published in: Applied thermal engineering 2011-08, Vol.31 (11), p.2004-2012
• Main Authors: Kee, Robert J., Almand, Berkeley B., Blasi, Justin M., Rosen, Benjamin L., Hartmann, Marco, Sullivan, Neal P., Zhu, Huayang, Manerbino, Anthony R., Menzer, Sophie, Coors, W. Grover, Martin, Jerry L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Ceramic; Ceramics; Channels; Devices using thermal energy; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Flow rate; Heat exchanger; Heat exchangers; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); Heat transfer; Inlets; Microchannel; Microchannels; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering; Thermal engineering
• ISSN: 1359-4311
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2011.03.009

This paper reports the model-based design and experimental performance evaluation of an all-ceramic compact counter-flow microchannel heat exchanger. Ceramic materials enable high-temperature operation that can exceed the capabilities of comparable metal heat exchangers. Additionally, ceramics may enable operation in harsh chemical environments in which metals cannot be used. Although the internal manifolds and channel layouts can be complex, a unique fabrication process called Pressure Laminated Integrated Structures (PLIS) facilitates low-cost manufacturing. The heat exchangers are tested using inlet air heated up to 750 °C on the hot side, room-temperature inlet air on the cold side, and flow rates up to 3 × 10 −3 kg s −1 (150 standard liters per minute of air). The paper reports measured performance of single units at the kilowatt scale for which heat-exchanger effectiveness up to 70% has been achieved. ► Designed an all ceramic counterflow microchannel heat exchanger. ► Developed and demonstrated a low cost manufacturing process. ► Measured performance as function of temperature and air flow.