A review of metal foam-enhanced pool boiling

Metal foams offer a promising solution for enhancing boiling heat transfer in renewable and sustainable energy systems through their high surface area, numerous nucleation sites, and excellent thermal conductivity. Advancements in manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing, have enabled precise control over the morphological characteristics of metal foams, presenting new opportunities for enhancing pool boiling heat transfer. This study provides a comprehensive review of existing experimental data on metal foam-enhanced pool boiling, aiming to identify correlations and key variables that influence boiling heat transfer performance. For water-based systems, critical heat flux and heat transfer coefficient enhancements of up to 441 % and 532 % respectively have been reported, while non-water systems have shown improvements up to 332 % in critical heat flux and 382 % in heat transfer coefficient. However, previous studies have struggled to establish clear trends due to inconsistencies in parameter reporting and experimental conditions. With the potential for standardized manufacturing, this review highlights the need for further research to develop a robust framework for quantifying boiling heat transfer performance. It suggests that future work should focus on optimizing metal foam parameters, such as porosity, PPI, and thickness, and exploring the effects of combined treatment methods. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of establishing benchmark criteria for evaluating enhancements and encourages the development of a contour map for various parameters. Addressing these gaps can help advance the application of metal foams in renewable energy systems, contributing to more effective thermal management. [Display omitted] •The research provides a thorough review of the literature on metal foam pool boiling.•The proposed mechanisms for the metal foam effect on boiling heat transfer are discussed.•Boiling performance trends related to metal foam morphology and experimental conditions were analyzed and quantified.•The review identifies challenges and suggests further research topics on the impact of metal foam.