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Ongoing Project
Engineered Surfaces
We design and fabricate specialized engineered surfaces, such as superhydrophobic surfaces that allow water droplets to slide off quickly, and porous structures that absorb liquids like a sponge. Additionally, we develop nanoscale wire arrays, micropillar structures, and dual-layer materials with combined properties. These surfaces can enhance heat transfer efficiency, resist fouling, and even prevent ice formation.
Condensation Heat Transfer
Condensation heat transfer involves the release of heat when a gas turns into a liquid. Our research focuses on designing surfaces that facilitate the rapid removal of condensate, thus improving heat transfer efficiency. This technology has applications in air conditioning systems, power plant cooling, and other areas requiring efficient heat dissipation.
Boiling Heat Transfer
When a liquid is heated to its boiling point, bubbles form, resulting in highly efficient heat transfer. Our research aims to modify surface structures, such as adding microgrooves or special coatings, to enhance heat transfer during boiling. This is particularly useful for high-performance applications, such as nuclear power plants and electronic cooling systems.
Single-Phase Immersion Cooling (ft. NCUT)
Single-phase cooling involves immersing a heat source entirely in a liquid, where the heat is carried away through convection. This simple and stable method is commonly used to cool electronic devices, such as servers and data centers. Our research focuses on optimizing the choice of coolant and its flow dynamics to maximize cooling efficiency.
Two-Phase Immersion Cooling
Compared to single-phase cooling, two-phase cooling is more efficient as the liquid absorbs heat and transforms into gas, removing a significant amount of energy. We focus on designing specialized surface structures that accelerate the liquid-to-gas transition, thereby enhancing cooling performance. This technology is ideal for high-power batteries and advanced energy systems.
Ice Slurry Heat Exchangers (ft. NTU)
Ice slurry is a mixture of small ice crystals and water with a high heat absorption capacity. We have developed a unique heat exchanger that efficiently uses ice slurry to cool equipment or preserve food. This technology is energy-saving and can be applied to food storage, medical cooling, and air conditioning systems.
Anti-Icing Surfaces (ft. NCUT)
In cold environments, ice formation on surfaces can reduce performance and even cause damage. We design anti-icing surfaces that minimize ice formation or make it easier to remove. These surfaces have significant applications in aviation, wind turbines, and transportation systems.
Self-Propelled Leidenfrost Droplets
When a droplet lands on a very hot surface, it can float on a layer of vapor, known as the Leidenfrost effect. Our research explores how to design surfaces that guide these floating droplets to move in specific directions, or even self-propel. This technology has potential applications in heat transfer enhancement, microfluidics, and energy harvesting.
Video Gallery
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