Application of bio-wick in compact loop heat pipe

Abstract

Compact loop heat pipes are widely used in high-performance compact electronic devices. The wick structure plays a vital role in the design of compact loop heat pipes. The performance of a wick dramatically influences the performance of the heat pipe. There are different kinds of wick structures used to enhance the performance of heat pipes such as screen wick, sintered wick, and grooved wick. In this study, a natural bio-carbon based wick structure is introduced to study the performance of a compact loop heat pipe. The Carbon material for the wick structure is prepared by carbonizing the Karuvelam wood as it possesses high water-absorbing capacity and ability to withstand high temperatures. The wick parameters such as porosity, capillary rise, pore size, and contact angle are investigated in order to study the effect of heat input, the impact of wick structure on temperature distribution and equivalent thermal resistance of the heat pipe. The results reveal that the temperature difference between the evaporator and condenser decreases effectively so that the thermal resistance decreases. This work reveals that the bio-carbon wick structure shall be a cost-effective alternative solution for a loop heat pipe mechanism.