Generation of a net flow due to fixed oblique beam structures in the nucleate boiling region

Effective utilization of unused heat below 200 degrees C is essential for a sustainable society. In this study, we propose a thermally driven water pump using fixed oblique beam structures with bubbles in the nucleate boiling region (approximately, 100-130 degrees C). Here, the oblique beam structure breaks the symmetry of the bubble force, and thus, they provide a net flow. Specifically, by using six fixed oblique beams along a circular fluidic channel, we observed a net flow of an average flow velocity of similar to 40 mm/s and an average volume flow rate of similar to 10 000 mm(3)/s (similar to 0.01 l/s) at the superheat of similar to 22 K. Our findings should contribute to the effective use of unused heat such as factory waste heat and environmental energy.

Automated summary

In this study, a thermally driven water pump using fixed oblique beam structures with bubbles in the nucleate boiling region was proposed. The use of six fixed oblique beams along a circular fluidic channel resulted in a net flow of an average flow velocity of approximately 40 mm/s and an average volume flow rate of approximately 10,000 mm(3)/s (approximately 0.01 l/s) at a superheat of approximately 22 K. These findings should contribute to the effective utilization of unused heat such as factory waste heat and environmental energy.