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Key Factors, Degradation Mechanisms, and Optimization Strategies for SCO 2 Heat Transfer in Microchannels: A Review

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  • Lianghui Guo

    (Department of Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing at Karamay, Karamay 834000, China
    Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Multi-Medium Pipeline Safety Transportation, Urumqi 830011, China
    These authors contribute equally to this work.)

  • Ran Liu

    (Department of Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing at Karamay, Karamay 834000, China
    Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Multi-Medium Pipeline Safety Transportation, Urumqi 830011, China
    These authors contribute equally to this work.)

  • Xiaoqin Xiong

    (Department of Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing at Karamay, Karamay 834000, China
    Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Multi-Medium Pipeline Safety Transportation, Urumqi 830011, China)

  • Xinzhe Li

    (Department of Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing at Karamay, Karamay 834000, China
    Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Multi-Medium Pipeline Safety Transportation, Urumqi 830011, China)

  • Aoxiang Yin

    (Department of Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing at Karamay, Karamay 834000, China)

  • Runyao Han

    (Department of Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing at Karamay, Karamay 834000, China)

  • Jiahao Zhang

    (Department of Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing at Karamay, Karamay 834000, China)

  • Zhuoqian Liu

    (Department of Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing at Karamay, Karamay 834000, China)

  • Keke Zhi

    (Department of Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing at Karamay, Karamay 834000, China)

Abstract

Despite a growing body of research on supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO 2 ) heat transfer in microchannels, comprehensive reviews remain scarce. Existing studies predominantly focus on isolated experiments or simulations, yielding inconsistent findings and lacking a unified theory or optimization framework. This review systematically consolidates recent SCO 2 microchannel heat transfer advancements, emphasizing key performance factors, degradation mechanisms, and optimization strategies. We critically analyze over 260 studies (1962–2024), evaluating the experimental and numerical methodologies, heat transfer deterioration (HTD) phenomena, and efficiency enhancement techniques. Key challenges include the complexity of heat transfer mechanisms, discrepancies in experimental outcomes, and the absence of standardized evaluation criteria. Future research directions involve refining predictive models, developing mitigation strategies for HTD, and optimizing microchannel geometries to enhance thermal performance. This work not only integrates the current knowledge but also provides actionable insights for advancing SCO 2 -based technologies in energy systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Lianghui Guo & Ran Liu & Xiaoqin Xiong & Xinzhe Li & Aoxiang Yin & Runyao Han & Jiahao Zhang & Zhuoqian Liu & Keke Zhi, 2025. "Key Factors, Degradation Mechanisms, and Optimization Strategies for SCO 2 Heat Transfer in Microchannels: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-26, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:14:p:3864-:d:1705866
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    References listed on IDEAS

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