Performance investigation of heat pipe using aqueous solution of n-Pentanol with different inclinations

Abstract

The orientation of the heat pipe plays the significant role in its performance. In specific orientations, the performance of the heat pipe is directly related to the wick structure. In conventional heat pipe, the working fluid is used a negative surface-tension gradient with temperature. It is an unfavorable one and it decreases the heat transport between the evaporator section and the condenser section. An Aqueous solution of n-Pentanol having a positive surface tension gradient with temperature is suggested as a working medium for heat pipe to improve the performance of capillary limit and operating stability. The objective of this paper is to perform a comparative study of heat pipe performance using the aqueous solution of n-Pentanol with water at various inclinations. The results are presented to demonstrate the merits and suitability of the aqueous solution of n-Pentanol as a working fluid for heat pipe.

A Review of Performance of Heat Pipes at Different Inclinations

“…As discussed earlier, Senthilkumar et al [10] also established that tilt angle and wick structure plays an extremely important role in the overall performance of the heat pipe. The transfer of heat from evaporator section to condenser section is reduced when the working fluid used has negative surface tension gradient.…”

Theoretical and Experimental Investigation on Different Parameters Affecting Heat Pipe Performance Charged with R-22

“…The capillary forces existing in the wicking structure then pump the liquid back to the evaporator. The evaporator and condenser sections of a heat pipe function independently, needing only common liquid and vapor streams [2]. Samman [3] studied the possible application of a Heat pipe heat exchanger (HPHX) for indirect evaporative cooling with heat recovery for the fresh air preheating.…”

Heat transfer enhancement of self-rewetting aqueous n-butanol solutions boiling in microchannels

“…Di Francescantonio et al [23] similarly improved the performance of a heat pipe with adding a small soluble amount of 1-heptanol to water, which more than doubled the maximum heat transfer rate of the heat pipe compared to water. Senthilkumar et al [24] compared water and aqueous n-pentanol solution in a heat pipe application, in which the thermal resistance was 4-6 times lower with the addition of pentanol, depending on the heat pipe inclination and heat load. The positive surface tension gradient of the pentanol solution was crucial for the improved heat pipe performance.…”