Two-Phase Flow Simulation of Bubble Cross-Membrane Removal Dynamics in Boiling-Desorption Mode for Microchannel Membrane-Based Generators

Jianrong Zhai, Hongtao Gao () and Yuying Yan
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Jianrong Zhai: Institute of Refrigeration & Cryogenics Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
Hongtao Gao: Institute of Refrigeration & Cryogenics Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
Yuying Yan: Fluids & Thermal Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-23

Abstract: Compact and efficient absorption refrigeration systems can effectively utilize waste heat and renewable energy when operated in a boiling-desorption mode, which maximizes the desorption rate. Hydrophobic membranes play a critical role in microchannel membrane-based generators; however, limited research has addressed bubble cross-membrane removal dynamics under boiling-desorption conditions, particularly the influence of membrane hydrophobicity. In this study, a two-phase flow bubble-removal model was developed to accurately represent boiling-desorption behavior. Numerical simulations were performed to investigate the effects of membrane hydrophobicity and heating power on bubble dynamics, wall temperature, venting rate, and channel pressure drop. Results show that bubble venting proceeds through four stages: nucleation and growth, liquid-film rupture with deformation, lateral spreading, and sustained vapor removal. Hydrophobicity effects become most significant from the third stage onwards. Increased hydrophobicity reduces wall temperature, with greater reductions at higher heat fluxes, and enhances venting performance by increasing total vapor removal and reducing removal time. Channel pressure fluctuations comprise high-frequency components from bubble growth and low-frequency components from venting-induced flow interruptions, with relative contributions dependent on hydrophobicity and heat flux. These findings provide new insights into bubble-removal mechanisms and offer guidance for the design and optimization of high-performance microchannel membrane-based generators.

Keywords: absorption refrigeration; microchannel membrane-based generator; phase change; bubble dynamics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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