Heat transfer characteristics and operational visualization of two-phase loop thermosyphon

Abstract

The advantages of high-efficiency and pumpless long-distance heat transport make the two-phase loop thermosyphon (TPLT) a promising candidate for various energy- and thermal-related applications. In this work, the simultaneous temperature/pressure measurement and high-speed visualization observation were conducted to compare and evaluate the heat transfer performance and two-phase flow characteristics of a vertical-positioned TPLT having an inner diameter of 10 mm. R141b was used as the working fluid at volumetric filling ratios of 35–50 %. The TPLT functioned well and had high heat transfer capacity at relatively high filling ratios (⩾ 40 %), while it failed to operate at a low filling ratio of 35 % under the power inputs greater than 250 W due to the local dry-out. A maximum effective thermal conductivity of 2.0 × 105 W/(m·K) was achieved at the optimal filling ratio of 40 %. Further, a flow regime map was developed to identify the combination effect of filling ratio and heat power on the flow pattern evaluation and two-phase flow instability. The geyser boiling usually manifests itself as an alternation of two or even three flow patterns, and tends to occur at the combination conditions of relatively low filling ratios (35 % and 40 %) and low heat powers or a moderate filling ratio (50 %) and relatively high heat powers. Additionally, the white mist phenomena caused by the flash vaporization was observed in the riser at relatively higher power inputs. The liquid-vapor mixture flow in the riser would partially degrade the TPLT performance due to the inhibition of vapor condensation in the condenser region. This study provides new insight into the operation characteristics of TPLT and gives guidelines for proper design and applications.