Loop heat pipe dynamics modeling and analysis

Abstract

The report presents mathematical model and computational analysis of dynamic processes in the loop heat pipe, as well as some ways of regulating its work. This is considered a one-dimensional unsteady model of the loop. For each element of loop the model contains the energy equation for flow of fluid and to the walls, and the equation of conservation of momentum of the working fluid. The joint solution of a system of such equations for all elements of the loop allows to calculate the temperature distribution and pressure contour at any point in time. The calculations showed that under certain conditions in the loop heat pipe can be auto-oscillations of different nature. Analysed methods of eliminating these auto-oscillations. One way to regulate the loop heat pipe is the use of a control valve on the additional bypass line. The analysis showed that this method can significantly improve the quality of temperature control and reduce energy consumption by regulation or do without energy consumption. Presents a model of the dynamics of loop heat pipe gives physically reasonable results of calculations and is consistent with the results of the tests.