An analytical model of oscillating heat pipe performance

Abstract

Concentrated heat dissipation poses formidable challenges across various domains, such as electronics, power generation, and aerospace applications. Oscillating Heat Pipes (OHPs), also known as Pulsating Heat Pipes (PHPs), have emerged as promising solutions due to their exceptional heat transfer capabilities and adaptability. Although OHPs have received significant research attention, their widespread adoption in industry has been hindered by the absence of reliable and cost-effective design tools. These tools are challenging to develop due to the complex nature of OHP operation, the multitude of design variables to consider, and the substantial computational resources required for computational modeling.In this study, previous OHP models based on first principles and spring–mass–damper analogies are combined with novel methods to create an analytical model that captures a much wider range of OHP phenomena than previous analytical models. The model predicts OHP heat transfer performance orders of magnitude faster than computational techniques and for a wider range of design parameters than experimental correlations. Furthermore, this model provides critical insights into the underlying principles governing OHP operation, including a theory for the onset and stabilization of circulation.The analytical model was compared to 185 experimental data in the literature and predicted the OHP temperature drop with a mean error of 16.6%. Additionally, the temperature drop was predicted within 30% for 84.5% of the data analyzed. The model’s analytical nature facilitates rapid solutions, enabling evaluations across a large design space that could be used to identify a small number of candidate designs for further experimental or computational evaluation.