Network Analysis of Non-Uniformly Heated Evaporative Micro-Channel Systems

A network analysis was established to model the array of evaporative micro-channels with possible non-uniformity heating as well as branching of the channels. Iterative solution of the evaporative micro-channel network can be obtained using the Hardy-Cross method together with accurate two-phase head-loss correlations. Based on the experimental evidence, cross-cutting micro-channels reduce the uneven flow distribution in parallel micro-channels at non-uniform heating. Through this network analysis, it is also evident that cross-cutting grooves on parallel micro-channels are effective in reducing non-uniform heating effects and enhancing the uniform wall temperature distribution.