Thermal Performance of a Cylindrical Heat Pipe for Different Heat Inputs and Inclination Angles

Abstract

An experimental study on thermal performance of a copper heat pipe operated with sintered powder wick has been performed. A miniature cylindrical heat pipe with small outer diameter, Ø10 mm and 300 mm in length, has been chosen in the study. An attempt is also made to design, fabricate and assemble a heat pipe test rig to be used for the experiment. The performance of the heat pipe is investigated at various heat inputs and inclination angles (orientations). The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the thermal performance of the heat pipe based on temperature differential between the evaporator and condenser sections, thermal resistance and thermal conductivity. The results show that the orientation and heat input have significant effects on the thermal performance of the cylindrical heat pipe. The Ø10 mm heat pipe operates with good thermal performance at the heat input of 70 W - 80 W and at the inclination angle of 30° - 60°.