Modelling of two-phase closed thermosyphon based on SINDA/FLUINT. (5th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Limin; Yin, Xiaoying; Shang, Linlin; Ji, Zhongli
• Is Part Of: Applied thermal engineering. Volume 130(2018)
• Page Start: 375
• Page End: 383
• Publication Date: 2018-02-05
• Subjects: Two-phase closed thermosyphon -- Heat transfer experiment -- Computer simulation -- R245fa -- SINDA/FLUINT model; Heat engineering -- Periodicals; Heating -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.40205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2017.10.156
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-4311

Abstract

Highlights: A SINDA/FLUINT simulation model of a TPCT charged with R245fa was established. Good agreement was achieved between simulation model and experimental results. The effects of relevant factors were investigated on performances of the TPCT. Performances of the large scale TPCTs were investigated by the developed model. Abstract: Two-phase closed thermosyphons (TPCTs) are simple and efficient heat exchangers. They have been explored for use in the renewable energy resource utilization marker and low grade thermal energy heat recovery systems. A transient simulation model for a TPCT was established by SINDA/FLUINT with low global warming potential Freon R245fa as working fluid. The TPCT was manufactured from a 40 mm inner diameter ( D i ), 3 m long smooth copper tube with a wall thickness of 2 mm. It consists of the evaporator, adiabatic and condenser sections with 1 m long for each section. The evaporator section was immersed in a water bath and the condenser section was cooled by recycled water. The effects of water bath temperature T b and inlet temperature of cooling water T cw, i were investigated by experimental and simulation methods. The results show the heat transfer rate Q and overall heat transfer coefficient U increase with the increase of T b, and the decrease of T cw, i . Good agreement between experimental and simulation results confirms the model is accurate and reliable. The influence of filling ratio (FR) and D i on the performance of TPCT was also investigated. The optimum FR for D i of 30 mm, 40 mm and 50 mm are 15%, 15% and 25% respectively. Moreover performances of 60–150 m long TPCTs were investigated based on the developed model.