Boiling heat transfer enhancement of double-tube heat pipe for high power devices

Taro Kato*, Masafumi Katsuta, Kazuhiro Sugaya, Ryutaro Hotta

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    Abstract

    Using a double-tube heat pipe to cool high power devices such as inverter devices, narrow space of the currently applied boiling cooling method will not only improve the cooling performance but also contribute to a lightweight device and will be maintenance-free. Considering the structure of inner tube of evaporator section of a heat pipe, we focused on the previous study which found using narrow space in the double-tube evaporator promoted nucleate boiling. We have conducted an experiment using an evaporator with a double-tube structure under pool boiling state. As a result, narrow space enhanced working fluid launching effect and the heat transfer performance. Based on these results, the purpose of this research is to observe boiling behavior generated in narrow space and to build database for putting a double-tube heat pipe to commercial application. We made three experimental apparatus that haves already simulated double-tube heat pipe's evaporator. These experiments were conducted changing the location of the inner tube against the heating surface. The experimental parameters were as follows: the gap (inner tube diameter), water level, inner tube height and heat flux. We conclude that at higher inner tube height and narrower space, caused the launching effect and keep the upper part wetness and the degree of superheat became low, and enhanced heat transfer coefficient. In particular, using d=15mm off-axial inner tube, the larger heat transfer coefficient was obtained than that without inner tube. A the outer tube inside diameter D=24mm and inner tube diameter d=24mm is the limit, height of capillary force and the effect of double-tube heat pipe.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 15th International Heat Transfer Conference, IHTC 2014
    PublisherBegell House Inc.
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    Event15th International Heat Transfer Conference, IHTC 2014 - Kyoto, Japan
    Duration: 2014 Aug 102014 Aug 15

    Other

    Other15th International Heat Transfer Conference, IHTC 2014
    Country/TerritoryJapan
    CityKyoto
    Period14/8/1014/8/15

    Keywords

    • Boiling and evaporation
    • Double-tube heat pipe
    • Heat transfer enhancement in narrow space
    • Measurement and instrumentation

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Condensed Matter Physics

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Boiling heat transfer enhancement of double-tube heat pipe for high power devices'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this