Study on heat transfer characteristics of loop heat pipe for solar collector

Shota Sato, Shigeki Hirasawa, Tsuyoshi Kawanami, Katsuaki Shirai

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

We experimentally study the thermal conductance of single-Tube and loop heat pipes for a solar collector. The evaporator of the heat pipe is 1 m long, 6 mm in diameter and has 30° inclination. The thermal conductance is defined as the heat transfer rate divided by the temperature difference between the evaporator-wall and the condenser-wall. Effects of heat transfer rate, saturation temperature of the working fluid, liquid filling ratio, inclination angle, and position of the evaporator on the thermal conductance are examined. We found that the thermal conductance of the 30°-inclined loop heat pipe with an upper-evaporator is 40-50 (W/K), which is 1.8 times higher than that of the vertical loop type and 3 times higher than that of the single-Tube type. Thus, the inclined loop heat pipe is preferable for a solar collector. There is an optimum liquid filling ratio. When the liquid filling ratio is too small, a dry-out portion appears in the evaporator. When the liquid filling ratio is too large, the liquid flows in the condenser to decrease heat transfer area. Also we numerically analyze the thermal conductance of a vertical loop heat pipe.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationASME 2012 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2012
Pages1573-1581
Number of pages9
EditionPARTS A, B, C, D
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012 Dec 1
Externally publishedYes
EventASME 2012 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2012 - Houston, TX, United States
Duration: 2012 Nov 92012 Nov 15

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
NumberPARTS A, B, C, D
Volume7

Other

OtherASME 2012 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHouston, TX
Period12/11/912/11/15

Keywords

  • Inclined heat pipe
  • Loop heat pipe
  • Solar collector
  • Thermal conductance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering

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