Analysis of heat transfer in unlooped and looped pulsating heat pipes

Abstract

An advanced heat transfer model for both unlooped and looped Pulsating Heat Pipes (PHPs) with multiple liquid slugs and vapor plugs has been developed. The thin film evaporation and condensation models have been incorporated with the model to predict the behavior of vapor plugs and liquid slugs in the PHP. The results show that heat transfer in both looped and unlooped PHPs is due mainly to the exchange of sensible heat. Higher surface tension results in a slight increase in the total heat transfer. The diameter, heating wall temperature, and charging ratio have significant effects on the performance of the PHP. Total heat transfer significantly decreased with a decrease in the heating wall temperature. Increasing the diameter of the tube resulted in higher total heat transfer. The results also showed that the PHP could not operate for higher charge ratios.