Effect of coated mesh wick on the performance of cylindrical heat pipe using graphite nanofluids

Abstract

Thermal performance evaluation of TiO2-coated copper mesh wick in a cylindrical heat pipe with graphite nanofluid is experimentally analyzed at various inclinations, nanoparticle concentrations and power levels. Boiling heat transfer from the evaporator of a heat pipe depends on both thermal conductivity of the nanoparticle and suspension stability of the nanofluid. The lower the density of the nanoparticle, the better the suspension stability. Spherical graphite nanoparticles having lower density and good thermal conductivity quicken the heat transfer rate and hence the vaporization of base fluid. A hydrophilic coating of TiO2 is done on the copper wick structure to reduce the contact angle of graphite nanofluid. Results showed that the heat pipe worked well at 60° inclination compared to the other tested orientations. For this optimum condition, a reduction in 168.75% of thermal resistance is obtained compared with DI water with uncoated wick at horizontal position and also an improvement in thermal efficiency of 94.07% for 1.0 mass% particle loading. The enhancement in equivalent thermal conductivity is 90.87% for 1.0 mass% compared with DI water. Results from the repeatability test also confirm that the hydrophilic coating over the wick is stable, and results are repeatable.