Numerical simulation and optimization of heat pipes using nanoparticles: a feasibility study

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of different particle sizes on the thermal effectiveness of a cylindrical screen mesh heat pipe using silver nanoparticles as the test substance. The study compared the effects of three different particle sizes (30, 50, and 80 nm) on heat transmission characteristics of the heat pipe. The results showed that the heat pipe’s thermal conductivity increases as the particle size decreases. The thermal conductivity measurements revealed 250 W/mK, 200 W/mK, and 150 W/mK for particles of 30, 50, and 80 nm sizes. Furthermore, the study analyzed thermal resistance of heat pipe for each particle size and found that as particle size decreases, thermal resistance decreases as well. The heat transfer coefficient values for particle sizes of 30, 50, and 80 nm were found to be 5500 W/m2K, 4500 W/m2K, and 3500 W/m2K, respectively. The ANOVA method was used to analyze the results statistically. The 30 nm particle size was found to have significantly higher thermal conductivity, lower thermal resistance, and a higher heat transfer coefficient than other particle sizes. Additionally, simulations were conducted to analyze the temperature variation of the hot source as a function of power dissipation for design and optimization.