ARTICLE:

• MESOSCOPIC ENERGY SYSTEMS  download article

Louis C. Chow
University of Central Florida, Miniature Engineering Systems Group, Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, Orlando, FL 32816-2450, USA

Jayanta S. Kapat
University of Central Florida, Miniature Engineering Systems Group, Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, Orlando, FL 32816-2450, USA

Krishna M. Kota
University of Central Florida, Miniature Engineering Systems Group, Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, Orlando, FL 32816-2450, USA

ABSTRACT

Recent advances in a variety of microfabrication and precision machining techniques and development of new materials are opening up a huge commercial and military market for miniature energy systems. Compact power sources, lightweight cooling/heating systems for individuals functioning in extreme conditions, and reliable cryocoolers for medical and space applications are three examples. When macroscopic power, cooling, or heating is needed, mesoscopic-scale design could actually lead to the most optimal system. Though transport processes are significantly enhanced at the mesoscopic scale, and reliability is improved through redundancy with a distributed system, there are very challenging problems in tribology and thermal management that must be overcome. This article points out the changes in design paradigm brought about by miniaturization. De¬sign issues and scaling laws associated with common miniature components such as com¬pressor, heat exchanger, motor and generator, and turbo expanders used in refrigeration, cryocooling, and power generation systems are described. System integration considera¬tion must also be given at every component design level to ensure a final overall compact, lightweight, efficient, and reliable miniature energy system. After assessing the current development status of miniature energy systems and their components, a list of topics is given where additional fundamental research is still needed.

 download article

475-509 pages

« Previous article         Next article »