摘要
In this study, a precise liquid-metal microchannel heater parallel to a liquid microchannel was developed, and temperature changes within the liquid microchannel were examined using temperature-sensitive paint (TSP) technology. The liquid metal selected was eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn). The results indicated that EGaIn had a small temperature coefficient of resistance, and the heating power remained stable during operation. At a Reynolds number of 1 and total heating power of 0.48 W, the fluid temperature could be controlled at 55 °C under both single- and double-sidewall heating conditions. Under the double-sidewall heating condition, the temperature inside the liquid channel could provide much uniform distribution. Overall, the TSP experimental results demonstrate that EGaIn can provide steady Joule heating conditions with precise heating alongside a liquid channel and potential applications of better energy efficiency for heating.