Active control of fluid equilibrium in a thermosyphon

Abstract

We have theoretically and experimentally studied the problem of automated control over the mechanical equilibrium of an inhomogeneously heated fluid in a rectangular convection loop (thermosyphon), which comprises two coupled vertical channels with rectangular cross sections arranged in a unit made of a heat-conducting material. The equilibrium is maintained using a control feedback subsystem (controller) capable of responding to the onset of a convective motion by introducing small changes in the spatial orientation of the thermosyphon in the gravitational field. The effect of the dynamic stabilization of the equilibrium, which is unstable in the absence of control, is achieved in a broad range of parameters of the system. It is established that excess feedback leads to the excitation of oscillations in the system. An analysis of the theoretical model showed that these oscillations are related to a delay in the correction introduced by the controller into the state of the system under control. The experimental data are in perfect agreement with the results of analysis of the theoretical model.