Surface with recoverable mini structures made of shape-memory alloys for adaptive-control of boiling heat transfer

A number of technologies have been developed to enhance boiling heat transfer (BHT). The enhancements of BHT depend on the size and geometry of the micro/mini structures and it seems difficult to design a structure that is optimum for all heat transfer conditions. This letter reports a study on adaptive control and enhancement of BHT by shape-memory alloy (SMA) structures. The experimental results of BHT on structured porous surfaces show that the SMA surface with recoverable structures has advantages for heat transfer both in the improvement of heat transfer coefficient and in the extending of operating range. The potential applications of such enhancement structures in diverse heat transfer devices are perhaps the most exciting.