Review of nature-inspired heat exchanger technology
Abstract The enormous heat and mass transfer phenomena in nature have led engineers to seek solutions for heat transfer enhancement problems from nature. In a current study, a comprehensive review of nature-inspired heat exchanger technology is presented, with focuses on fractal geometries, heat exchanger surface wettability control and evaporative cooling. Fractal geometry, widely found in respiratory systems and vascular systems of plants and animals, has been introduced into heat transfer area because of its intrinsic advantage of minimized flow resistance and strong heat transfer capability. Plant leaves with different surface wettability inspire heat exchanger surface treatment for condensation and frosting application. Evaporation of perspiration to regulate human temperature enlightened the application of evaporative condensers. Based on a review, an outline for applying biomimicry to heat exchanger design has been developed. Promising natural phenomena for future design are discussed. This review is expected to motivate future research on nature-inspired heat transfer devices.