Projects
Rapid Detection and Synergetic Disinfection of Bioaerosols Using Far UVC and Negative Air Ions: Mechanistic and Field Studies
Principal Investigator: Prof. CHi Keung Alvin LAI
Research Impact Fund
Funding: HK$6,150,000
High Performance Microchannel Heat Sink with Hybrid Micro/Nano Structured Mesh
Principal Investigator: Prof. Chin PAN
General Research Fund
Funding: HK$917,695
Energy-saving and reliable cooling systems are urgently needed for the flourishing electronic industry demanding a very high heat dissipation rate. Through the channel-to-channel heat exchange, a counter flow diverging microchannel heat sink has demonstrated to be a high-performance cooling design, i.e., very high cooling rate per unit area with remarkably low two-phase flow pressure drop in our series of studies. This research work further investigate liquid film evaporation in microchannel with surface modification of microscale meshes and nanoscale coating structures. The present study may bring a significant enhancement on phase-change heat transfer performance with highly efficient liquid replenishment from the excellent wicking effect of nano-structure and become another high performance cooling devise.
Investigations of Two-phase Natural Circulation Loop with Artificial Seawater
Principal Investigator: Prof. Chin PAN
General Research Fund
Funding: HK$856,381
Nuclear power, with zero direct emissions during operation, is a very effective option for carbon neutrality in 2050-2060. The nuclear safety can be significantly enhanced if a passive heat removal system is adopted and seawater can be used as an alternative emergency coolant. In this project, we will develop a passive heat removal system with two-phase natural circulation loop using seawater as the working fluid. We will investigate related thermal hydraulic behaviors using seawater. Differences of boiling patterns between de-ionized water and seawater may significantly influence the pressure drop and two-phase natural circulation. The effect of inlet temperature on the performance of the system and the nature of instabilities using seawater will be examined.