Abstract
Heat pipes are becoming increasingly popular as passive heat transfer technologies due to their high efficiency. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art applications, materials and performance of current heat pipe devices. The paper is divided into four main parts; low temperature heat pipes, high temperature heat pipes, thermal modelling of heat pipes and discussion. The low and high temperature sections present an extended list with suitable working fluids and operating temperatures, along with their compatibility with casing materials. Furthermore, the sections focus on some of the most widespread industrial applications, such as solar, nanoparticles, Rankine cycles, nuclear, thermoelectric modules and ceramics, in which heat pipe technologies offer many key advantages over conventional practises. The third part of the paper consists of a thorough analysis of the thermal modelling side of heat pipes. Internal and external thermal modelling techniques, theories and methodologies are presented in this section, for various applications such as non-Newtonian fluids, nano-fluids, solar, geothermal, automotive, hybrid storage and nuclear systems. The final part of the paper discusses the limitations of heat pipes and the reasons why they are not implemented in more aspects of our lives. Operational limitations, cost concerns and the lack of detailed theoretical and simulation analysis of heat pipes are some of the point covered in this section. Finally, some of the recent and future developments in the field are discussed.
Highlights
Heat pipes are recognised as one of the most efficient passive heat transfer technologies available
The implementation of heat pipes is beneficial for multiple industries, and they can be applied to a range of operation temperatures from cryogenics to kilns
Low temperature heat pipes are commonly being implemented in cryogenic applications, but could be applied in permafrost regions
Summary
Heat pipes are recognised as one of the most efficient passive heat transfer technologies available. A heat pipe is a structure with very high thermal conductivity that enables the transportation of heat whilst maintaining almost uniform temperature along its heated and cooled sections. The addition of heat pipes within systems allows a full utilisation of the thermal superconductor property by allowing a high heat transfer rate, making the system ideal for a number of industries and applications. The working fluid is located at the bottom of the pipe; the addition of a heat source allows the liquid pool to evaporate. The paper highlights the current CFD methods used to validate the systems alongside technological limitations that are affecting the technological advances and subsequently the industrial application
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