| dc.description.abstract | Heat exchangers are widely used in different industries as primary devices to transfer heat between fluids or gases that are at different temperatures. These devices are most commonly made out of metals, which are known for their excellent thermal conductivity. However, the lifespan of heat exchangers can be limited depending on which environment they are exposed to, because metals are susceptible to corrosion. This study provides an alternative material choice to metals and suggests a fabrication method that can be used to fabricate a high-efficiency compact heat exchanger. Commercially available materials that are thermally conductive, as well as materials fabricated in laboratory, were tested and characterized for their mechanical and thermal properties, and microstructure. Materials fabricated in laboratory used neat epoxy matrix and different thermally conductive reinforcement materials: copper, graphite flakes, and graphene nano powder. The most promising results were achieved by a 35 weight % graphite flakes/epoxy laminate, with its thermal conductivity being close to 2 W/mK. Heat exchanger fabrication method involved designing and 3D printing models of the compact heat exchanger and its flow channels, which are subsequently used to fabricate reusable silicone molds. Expandable flow channels were fabricated by casting beeswax, and later removed by melting from a gravity-casted polymer, to create the geometry of a conventional heat exchanger. The final result was a neat epoxy compact heat exchanger with successfully removed flow channels. Last chapter of this thesis discusses future work recommendations and suggestions on how to move forward in this research area. | en_US |
