Heat Transfer and Flow Distribution Characteristics of Liquid Hydrogen in Parallel Channels under Non-uniform Heat Fluxes

Abstract Efficient heat exchange technology is crucial for optimizing hydrogen-fueled engines, particularly with liquid hydrogen as the cold-side medium. This study investigates the heat transfer characteristics of liquid hydrogen in parallel channels, focusing on flow and temperature distributions. The analysis of flow resistance within these channels reveals mechanisms responsible for temperature and flow deviations in dual-channel systems. Various scenarios with different heat flux ratios and total flow rate conditions are examined to elucidate their impacts on temperature and flow deviations. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis examines the impact of variations in thermophysical properties, listed as density, specific heat at constant pressure, thermal conductivity, and viscosity—on temperature and flow deviations, highlighting the principal factors that drive these changes. This research provides a comprehensive analysis and mechanistic insights into the heat transfer behavior of liquid hydrogen in parallel channels, establishing a theoretical framework for the design of efficient liquid hydrogen heat exchangers in hydrogen-fueled engines.