A new development in 3D printing could make cooling systems smaller and more efficient, according to research by William King at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
The innovation involves heat exchangers, devices that are used in a variety of machines and systems that move energy, including air conditioners and refrigerators, and could help meet increased energy demands in the future.
Current heat exchangers tend to use standard designs that use straight lines, right angles and round tubes, but King’s design includes features such as wavy walls and pyramid-shaped bumps that are intended to optimise heat movement.
After 36,000 simulations, the researchers landed on a design that included small fins on the side of the device that touches the water, as well as wavy passageways for the water to pass through, both of which increase the surface area for heat transfer.
On the side of the device where the refrigerant passes through, the redesigned equipment includes small pyramid-shaped bumps along the walls, which both mix the refrigerant and prevent liquid coating, optimising the cooling process.