Modeling Tools for Two-Phase Electronics Cooling Systems

The proposed study will develop robust, physics-based models of two-phase cooling for high-flux defense and power electronics. These models will be used during the follow-up study to develop fast and accurate computational tools for the design of cooling hardware at the device, module and system levels for three different cooling schemes: micro-channel cooling, spray cooling and jet-impingement cooling. Since recent studies by the proposing team have resulted in complete physics-based models for micro-channel cooling, the proposed Phase I study will focus on developing the spray and jet-impingement cooling models. Key objectives of the Phase I study will be to (1) develop fluid flow and heat transfer models for spray cooling that address the complexities of spray formation, droplet break-up and impact with the device surface, as well as burnout, (2) develop fluid flow and heat transfer models for two-phase jet-impingement cooling using rectangular jets, which address all complexities of orifice flow, entrainment, wall jet formation and growth, and burnout. Physics-based modeling and dimensionless representation of key performance parameters, such as pressure drop, two-phase heat transfer coefficient and burnout heat flux, will ensure universal applicability of the proposed models to coolants with drastically different thermophysical properties.