Numerical investigation of two phase flow pattern in narrow rectangular phase change heat exchanger

Phase change heat is an efficient cooling technology for electronic equipment with high heat dissipation potential and application prospects. In this paper, the VOF model is used to numerically simulate the transient and steady two phase flow in the phase change heat exchanger. The dynamic characteristics of the bubble nucleation, growth, and departure are obtained. As the bubble behavior changes, the wall temperature showed a continuous fluctuation trend but the temperature distribution is relatively uniform. The bubbly flow, churn flow, and mist flow appear in sequence under different heat fluxes, which are consistent with the experiment results. This study can provide a reference for further optimization of phase change heat exchangers.