Simultaneous power generation and heat recovery within a novel thermosyphon heat pipe: An experimental study and correlation development

Abstract

The unique concept of generating electricity from a thermosyphon heat pipe (THP) utilizing an oscillating magnet in the adiabatic section was successfully examined experimentally. Generating electrical power while the THP operates is a revolutionary approach to improving its performance. In this regard, an energy harvesting module, including a magnet, was designed, built, and installed into the adiabatic section of the THP. The investigation was performed for four filling ratios ranging from 10 to 40%, while water served as the working fluid. In addition, the effect of variation of heat input on the performance of both THP and oscillating magnet thermosyphon heat pipe (OM-THP) was studied. Results demonstrated a negligible difference between the thermal resistances of OM-THP and THP before dry-out. The presence of the oscillating magnet causes dry-out to occur sooner; however, OM-THP still has electrical power generation during stable operation in the range of 50–125 W of heat inputs. According to the results, raising the filling ratio delays the drying of OM-THP. At 20% filling ratio and 100 W heat input, the highest average peak-to-peak open circuit voltage was 1 V. Besides, new correlations are presented to predict the induced voltage and thermal performance of the THP and OM-THP. The proposed correlations can predict the thermal resistances of THP and OM-THP, and the induced voltage of OM-THP with RSQ values of 0.91, 0.79, and 0.94, respectively.