Microencapsulated phase change material slurry cooling system and method of operation

A method of operating a heat transfer system, comprising:

• introducing a slurry comprising a fluid and a microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM) to one or more channels of a heat sink;
• directing the slurry through the one or more channels along a substrate of the heat sink;
• and
• inducing mixing of the slurry within the one or more channels using one or more microstructures disposed in the one or more channels.

A heat transfer system, comprising:

• a heat sink comprising:
• a thermally conductive substrate;
• one or more channels disposed along a surface of the substrate, the one or more channels being manifold-linked and configured to direct a slurry therethrough;
• an inlet in fluid communication with the one or more channels;
• an outlet in fluid communication with the one or more channels;
• and
• one or more herringbone microstructures disposed in the one or more channels and configured to generate transverse mixing and helical flow within the slurry;
• and
• the slurry comprising a fluid and a microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM) uniformly dispersed throughout the fluid,
• wherein the one or more herringbone microstructures are configured to enhance heat transfer from the substrate to the slurry by promoting phase change of the MEPCM within the one or more channels.