We have developed a model capable of predicting the performance characteristics of a wiretype Joule–Thomson microcooler intended for use within a cryosurgical probe. Our objective was to be able to predict cold tip temperature, temperature distribution, and cooling power using only inlet gas properties as input variables. To achieve this, the model incorporated gas equations of state to account for changing gas properties due to heat transfer within the heat exchanger and expansion within the capillary. In consideration of inefficiencies, heat in-leak from free convection and radiation was also considered and the use of a 2D axisymmetric finite difference code allowed simulation of axial conduction. To validate simulation results, we have constructed and conducted experiments with two types of microcoolers differing in inner tube material, poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and stainless steel. The parameters of the experiment were used in the calculations. CO2 was used as the coolant gas for inlet pressures from 0.5 MPa to 2.0 MPa. Heat load trials of up to 550 mW along with unloaded trials were conducted. The temperature measurements show that the model was successfully able to predict the cold tip temperature to a good degree of accuracy and well represent the temperature distribution. For the all PEEK microcooler in a vacuum using 2.0 MPa inlet pressure, the calculations predicted a temperature drop of 57 K and mass flow rate of 19.5 mg/s compared to measured values of 63 K and 19.4 mg/s, therefore, showing that conventional macroscale correlations can hold well for turbulent microscale flow and heat transfer as long as the validity of the assumptions is verified.
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Heat Transfer In Nanochannels, Microchannels, And Minichannels
Theoretical and Experimental Study of a Flexible Wiretype Joule–Thomson Microrefrigerator for Use in Cryosurgery
Adhika Widyaparaga,
Adhika Widyaparaga
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
e-mail: adhikayev@gmail.com
Gadjah Mada University
, Jl. Grafika 2, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
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Masashi Kuwamoto,
Masashi Kuwamoto
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Kyushu University
, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Naoya Sakoda,
Naoya Sakoda
International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy,
Kyushu University
, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Masamichi Kohno,
Masamichi Kohno
Department of Mechanical Engineering; International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research,
Kyushu University
, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Yasuyuki Takata
Yasuyuki Takata
Department of Mechanical Engineering; International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research,
Kyushu University
, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Adhika Widyaparaga
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
Gadjah Mada University
, Jl. Grafika 2, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
e-mail: adhikayev@gmail.com
Masashi Kuwamoto
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Kyushu University
, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
Naoya Sakoda
International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy,
Kyushu University
, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
Masamichi Kohno
Department of Mechanical Engineering; International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research,
Kyushu University
, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
Yasuyuki Takata
Department of Mechanical Engineering; International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research,
Kyushu University
, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
J. Heat Transfer. Feb 2012, 134(2): 020903 (7 pages)
Published Online: December 13, 2011
Article history
Received:
January 9, 2011
Revised:
August 8, 2011
Online:
December 13, 2011
Published:
December 13, 2011
Citation
Widyaparaga, A., Kuwamoto, M., Sakoda, N., Kohno, M., and Takata, Y. (December 13, 2011). "Theoretical and Experimental Study of a Flexible Wiretype Joule–Thomson Microrefrigerator for Use in Cryosurgery." ASME. J. Heat Transfer. February 2012; 134(2): 020903. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4004937
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