Operation limitation of an oscillating heat pipe. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yin, D.; Wang, H.; Ma, H.B.; Ji, Y.L.
• Is Part Of: International journal of heat and mass transfer. Volume 94(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 366
• Page End: 372
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Oscillating heat pipe; Heat -- Transmission -- Periodicals; Mass transfer -- Periodicals; Chaleur -- Transmission -- Périodiques; Transfert de masse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 621.4022
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2015.11.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-9310

Abstract

Highlights: Operating limitation of an OHP. The maximum heat transport capability. Spring–mass system consisting of a train of liquid plugs and vapor bubbles. Abstract: The oscillating heat pipe (OHP) has been widely studied as a promising heat transfer device, which can efficiently transport heat by thermally exciting oscillating motions. In the current investigation, the operating limitation of an OHP is theoretically studied to determine its maximum heat transport capability. When the heat transfer rate added to the evaporator section reaches a critical point, the vapor generation rate increases resulting in a significant increase in momentum, which can penetrate the liquid plug causing the slug flow to become annular flow. When this phenomenon takes place, the spring–mass system consisting of a train of liquid plugs and vapor bubbles disappears, and the OHP reaches the maximum heat transport capability. Based on this mechanism, a new mathematical model to predict the OHP operating limitation is developed. The results indicate that the operation limitation of an OHP depends on its working fluid, latent heat, operating temperature, turn number, filling ratio, heat pipe dimensions, and liquid plug length.