Abstract
The transient thermal performance of phase change and heat and mass transfer in a two-phase closed thermosyphon are studied with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A CFD model based on the volume of fluid technique is built. Deionized water is specified as the working fluid of this thermosyphon. The CFD model reproduces evaporation and condensation in the thermosyphon at different heating inputs. The average wall temperatures are also analyzed. Variations of average wall temperatures indicate that this thermosyphon reaches a steady state after 19 s, and starts to work in advance when the heating input increases. Moreover, thermal resistance is decreased until a minimum (0.552 K/W) by increasing the heating input, and the effective thermal conductivity is elevated to a maximum (2.07 × 106 W/m∙K).
Highlights
A two-phase closed thermosyphon, like a wicked heat pipe, transmits heat by the evaporation and condensation of a working fluid that is circulating in a sealed container
The thermosyphon relies on the force of gravity to return the working fluid from a condenser to an evaporator rather than relying on the capillary forces produced by the wick in the wicked heat pipe [1]
The wall temperature profile, the thermal resistance, and the effective thermal conductivity were obtained during the start-up of the thermosyphon under and the effective thermal conductivity were obtained during the start-up of the thermosyphon under heating inputs of 40 W, 60 W, and 80 W
Summary
A two-phase closed thermosyphon, like a wicked heat pipe, transmits heat by the evaporation and condensation of a working fluid that is circulating in a sealed container. As a kind of high-efficiency heat transfer component, a thermosyphon, whose internal complex heat and mass transfer is the focus of this research about the heat transfer mechanism of a heat pipe, has already been widely used in the field of heat exchange. For the advantages of its light weight, wide operating temperature range, compact structure, flexibility, high capacity of heat transfer, and great isothermal performance, the thermosyphon has been widely used in many cooling fields that contain electronic components and products [2,3,4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
