Tesla valves and capillary structures-activated thermal regulator

Area of Science:

• Fluid dynamics
• Heat transfer
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Two-phase flow in confined spaces is crucial for thermal management but faces challenges like vapor backflow and chaotic patterns due to phase transition.
• High surface-to-volume ratios and latent heat offer high thermal transport potential, yet physical size effects and volume disparity hinder performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a thermal regulator that mitigates chaotic two-phase flow and enhances heat transfer performance.
• To enable switchable working states and improved thermal transport through synergistic integration of passive flow control elements.

Main Methods:

• Development of a thermal regulator integrating classical Tesla valves with engineered capillary structures.
• Experimental and analytical investigation of two-phase flow dynamics within the regulator under varying conditions.
• Demonstration of the device's ability to self-adapt and rectify flow patterns.

Main Results:

• The integrated Tesla valves effectively eliminate vapor backflow.
• Engineered capillary structures promote desired liquid flow along channel sidewalls.
• The thermal regulator demonstrated switchable working states, boosting heat transfer coefficient and critical heat flux.

Conclusions:

• The synergistic combination of Tesla valves and capillary structures enables ordered, directional two-phase flow, overcoming chaotic patterns.
• This approach facilitates self-adaptation to diverse working conditions, enhancing thermal management capabilities.
• Revisiting established designs like Tesla valves can drive innovation in next-generation, high-performance cooling devices.