Recent advances in condensation heat transfer in mini and micro channels: A comprehensive review

Abstract Condensation in mini and microchannels has been investigated to improve utilization of thermal energy and heat transfer in various disciplines and applications. The high heat transfer coefficients accomplished by two-phase condensing flows in microchannels has prompted the use of compact heat transfer equipment and utilization of environmentally friendly heat transfer fluids. This work presents a comprehensive review of condensation studies in microchannels that have been carried out in the last two decades. The review includes experimental investigations, theoretical predictive models of two-phase heat transfer coefficients and pressure drop, as well as computational predictions of condensation in mini and microchannels. A wide range of operating conditions, channel geometries, heat transfer fluids, methods of investigation, and advancements in condensation heat transfer in mini and microchannels are presented. As condensation at the microscale presents a promising path towards heat transfer enhancement for numerous applications, this paper is intended to be a reference for future research targeting advancements in mini and microchannel condensation.