Applying manufacturing procedures to improve Loop Heat Pipes performance

Abstract

The Loop Heat Pipe (LHP) technology has been developed using acetone as working fluid. As the thermal performance obtained by using this fluid decreased, changes to the LHP design were made and implemented. Manufacture of capillary evaporators with internal microgrooves and circumferential grooves on the primary wick structure were done using procedures applied for this specific device. The LHPs with modifications presented better results when compared to previous designs; evaporator temperatures are up to 50% lower than the previous design, proving that the features implemented have been effective in increasing the device's performance even using a less efficient working fluid.