Flow Distribution Control Between Two Parallel Meso-Scale Evaporators With Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pumping Available to Purchase

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pumps generate pressure to drive dielectric liquids via the electrical Coulomb force exerted within heterocharge layers of finite thickness in the vicinity of the electrodes. By applying an external electric field in a dielectric liquid, the heterocharge layers form due to the net charges as a result of the process of enhanced dissociation of neutral molecules versus the recombination of the generated ions. EHD conduction pumping can be applied to enhance and control mass and heat transfer of both isothermal and nonisothermal liquid and two-phase fluid, with many advantages such as simple design, no moving parts and low power consumption. It also shows its potential as an active control technique for flow distribution for multi-scale systems in both terrestrial and microgravity environment. Flow distribution control based on EHD conduction pumping mechanism was previously investigated in macro-scale. This study experimentally examines its capability in controlling two-phase flow distribution between two parallel meso-scale evaporators. The working fluid was refrigerant HCFC-123. It has been found that an EHD conduction pump could effectively control the two-phase flow distribution via adjusting the flow rate in each branch line, and facilitate the recovery from dry-out condition in two-phase system.