Thermal performance of plain-weave screen as a heat exchanger surface in parallel plate free convection

A novel mini-cooling tower configuration woven-mesh heat exchanger concept is described, which will allow for the design of self-powered (and self-modulated) single fluid coolers of high-power electronic devices and other heat sources. The geometry of the woven mesh heat exchange matrix is such that it possesses large heat transfer surface area and effective thermal conductivity. An analytical performance model of the mini-cooling tower configuration shows that these woven structures will produce high, self-modulated coolant flows that result in superior cooling. Experiments using air as the working fluid are undertaken. Experimental results for a thermal system consisting of a single layer plain-weave screen mesh heat exchanger in a parallel plate channel are presented. Results are compared with theoretical analysis. There exists a good agreement between the theoretical model and experimental results. The variation of thermal performance with screen laminate characteristics (Md-product) together with the cooling tower chimney characteristics (aspect ratio) are presented and discussed.