Bubble pumping effect-induced boiling cooling in asymmetrically heated mini-channels

Immersion cooling using boiling phenomena is an effective approach to address the increasing heat generation in electronic power devices. This study explores a new boiling-driven cooling technology in asymmetrically heated mini-channels, where the bubble pumping effect induces liquid transport, enhancing the boiling process and improving heat removal efficiency. The experimental setup utilized Novec 7100 as the cooling fluid, with channels partially immersed (80/100/120 mm out of 240 mm total height). The effects of varying heat flux on liquid transport at atmospheric pressure were examined, showing that liquid could be transported to the top of the channel as heat flux increased. Optimal performance was achieved at a channel cross-section of 3×3 mm 2 and an immersion depth of 120 mm, with the operational heat flux range of 0.96–9.98 W/cm 2 . Additionally, good temperature uniformity was observed, with a temperature uniformity index of less than 4%. This study demonstrates the potential of using the bubble pumping effect for efficient boiling cooling in asymmetrically heated mini-channels.