Experimental Investigation of Impact of Working Fluid and Pipe Material on Heat Pipe Performance

Abstract

A passive device, the heat pipe has the capacity to transfer massive volumes of heat over small cross-sectional areas at extremely small temperature differentials heat pipes are extensively employed in many engineering applications owing to their exceptional efficiency in heat transfer, enabling the transmission of heat over considerable distances while minimizing temperature fluctuations. It is a heat transmission technique that is becoming more and more useful. The fundamental design of a heat pipe consists of an empty chamber placed after a cylinder or square filled with a vaporizable working fluid. This technique of heat transfer is used in solar water heaters, computers, solar power boards, laptops, mobile devices, and electronic circuits. Devices that require a large volume of heat transformations and heat management greatly benefit from the usage of heat pipes. This study investigates the influence of working fluid and pipe material on the performance of heat pipes. The researchers developed a complete experimental configuration to examine the performance attributes of heat pipes, encompassing thermal conductivity, heat transfer coefficient, and overall efficiency. The study examined a range of working fluids, including water, aceton, and ethnol, as well as different pipe materials such as copper, aluminium, and brass. The findings demonstrate notable disparities in performance indicators depending on the selection of the working fluid and pipe material. The entire heat transfer capability is significantly influenced by the thermal conductivity of the working fluid, whereby specific fluids demonstrate higher performance compared to others. The heat transfer efficiency is significantly influenced by the thermal conductivity and surface characteristics of the pipe material. Furthermore, the compatibility between the working fluid and pipe material significantly influences the long-term reliability and durability of heat pipes. Corrosion, material degradation, and phase change characteristics are critical factors that must be carefully considered when selecting the optimal combination of working fluid and pipe material. This study provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of heat pipes for various thermal management applications, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate working fluids and pipe materials to enhance performance and reliability.