Effect of inclination angle and fill ratio on geyser boiling phenomena in a two-phase closed thermosiphon – Experimental investigation

Abstract

Geyser boiling is a complex phenomenon which may occur in heat pipes causing high temperature and pressure oscillation leading to noticeable vibration. Therefore, understanding of such process is essential to improve heat pipes thermal performance and avoid damage. In this experimental study, a comprehensive investigation of several parameters on the characteristics of the geyser boiling has been conducted during the operation of two-phase closed thermosiphon (TPCT) using water as the working fluid. The effect of different inclination angles (90, 60, 30 and 10°) at various fill ratios defined as volume of liquid in the evaporator to the volume of the evaporator (25%, 65% and 100%) on the geyser boiling has been investigated at a broad range of heat load and for various mass flow rates and inlet temperatures of the cooling water. These important parameters have been examined to report the occurrence and period of the geyser effect at each heat input. The results showed that the orientation and the liquid charge have a significant impact on the occurrence and period of the geyser boiling at low and high heat inputs. For example, at a fill ratio of 100%, the geyser boiling occurs at a lower heat input compared with that for fill ratios 25%, 65% at all inclination angles, while it happens at a higher heat load at a low inclination 10° compared with other angles at all fill ratios. In addition, at high input energies, it almost disappears at orientations of 90 and 60° for all liquid charges. Also, comparing with fill ratios of 25% and 65%, a shorter period is observed for a fill ratio of 100% at angles of 90, 30 and 10°, whereas it is longer at 60° and low heat inputs. This work highlights the effects of the operating conditions on geyser boiling in heat pipes.