Estimation of Joule heating effect on temperature and pressure distribution in electrokinetic-driven microchannel flows

In this study we present simple analytical models that predict the temperature and pressure variations in electrokinetic-driven microchannel flow under the Joule heating effect. For temperature prediction, a simple model shows that the temperature is related to the Joule heating parameter, autothermal Joule heating parameter, external cooling parameter, Peclet number, and the channel length to channel hydraulic diameter ratio. The simple model overpredicted the thermally developed temperature compared with the full numerical simulation, but in good agreement with the experimental measurements. The factors that affect the external cooling parameters, such as the heat transfer coefficient, channel configuration, and channel material are also examined based on this simple model. Based on the mass conservation, a simple model is developed that predicts the pressure variations, including the temperature effect. An adverse pressure gradient is required to satisfy the mass conservation requirement. The temperature effect on the pressure gradient is via the temperature-dependent fluid viscosity and electroosmotic velocity.