Non-Uniform Three-Dimensional Pulsating Heat Pipe for Anti-Gravity High-Flux Applications

Chih-Yung Tseng,Kai-Shing Yang,Chi-Chuan Wang

doi:10.3390/en13123068

Abstract

This study proposes a novel high-flux pulsating heat pipe that can lift the major constraint of the conventional pulsating heat pipe (PHP) which is unable to function properly upon anti-gravity operations. The proposed PHP introduces additional unbalance force via uneven tube diameter/geometry in the adiabatic sections to tailor the problem in anti-gravity operation. The design contains a three-dimensional configuration circuitry with compact arrangement tubes on the evaporator and condenser. Through this design, the non-uniform three-dimensional pulsating heat pipe (3D-PHP) manipulates the uneven inner diameters of the adiabatic sections to form uneven vapor/liquid distributions in the adiabatic sections to yield a unitary flow pattern that is able to withstand a much higher input power. The present PHP uses methanol as working fluid, with 38% volumetric filling ratio, and has a high-flux of 22.9 W/cm2 and a low the thermal resistance ratio (Ranti-gravity/Rgravity-assisted) of 1.05 when the input power is 800 W. Both the heat flux and thermal resistance ratio for the proposed design are far better than the existing literature.

Highlights

High-flux electronic devices are dominating the market with the rise of computational power and shrinkage of electronic circuitry
The maximum heat transfer rate of the heat pipe is mainly limited by the circulation limit of the wick structure
The input power ranges from 200 W to 800 W with a step of 200 W

Summary

Introduction

High-flux electronic devices are dominating the market with the rise of computational power and shrinkage of electronic circuitry. This can be seen almost everywhere, such as with computers, network switches for data centers, laser projectors and high-power LED lighting. To facilitate effective heat transport, the need for high thermal conductivity becomes a must-have as far as effective thermal management is concerned. The maximum heat transfer rate of the heat pipe is mainly limited by the circulation limit of the wick structure. In this regard, typical heat pipes are not suitable for high-flux applications or long-distance transportation

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Methods

Results

Conclusion