Fluid Flow and Heat transfer Characteristics within a Rectangular Microchannel Array of Different Manifold Shapes Modelization and Optimization Using CFD and Response Surface Methodology

Different manifold shapes of microchannel device are investigated for the pressure drop characteristics under the effect of varying microchannel depth, width and spacing. The response surface methodology is applied to optimise the operating conditions of different microchannel systems. Four operating parameters, the channel width, depth, spacing and the inlet Reynolds number are considered in this study. The individual effects of these operating parameters and the combined effects of multiple operating conditions on pressure drop characteristics are examined using CFD. The semi-elliptical manifold shapes results the high level of fluid flow uniformity within microchannels and lower pressure drop. The maximum percentage reduction in the pressure drop across the microchannel device is 70%, obtained for semi-elliptical manifold shape as compared to other. The heat transfer analysis is also carried out in the extent of the study.