A Review of Pool-Boiling Processes Based on Bubble-Dynamics Parameters

Abstract

Immersion cooling is widely used for thermal management of servers. The two-phase immersion cooling, which transfers heat by boiling, possesses efficient temperature control ability under intensive heat generation. In the process of temperature control through boiling, the generation and transportation of bubbles play a crucial role in calculating the heat-transfer capacity. Therefore, it holds immense significance to obtain a profound understanding of the mechanisms underlying bubble formation and detachment. Currently, numerous mechanistic explanations and empirical correlations have been proposed to elucidate the various parameters of bubbles during the boiling process. These findings were considered to be valuable references when selecting appropriate boiling media and designing efficient heating surfaces. To comprehensively present the progress of bubble formation and heat transfer in the boiling system, the forces exerted on the bubbles are highlighted in this article. A meticulous review of bubble-force analysis and correlation formulae pertaining to various relevant parameters (e.g., nucleation sites density, bubble growth rate, bubble growth period, and detachment frequency) was conducted. This review article was also expected to provide a novel foundation for further exploration of enhanced boiling heat transfer.

Keywords

• nucleate boiling
• force analysis
• bubble-dynamics parameters
• heat-transfer enhancement