A Parametric Study of Heat Pipe Turbine Vane Cooling

This work investigates the effects of various parameters (geometric dimensions, working fluid, external heating and cooling conditions) on heat transfer performance of the heat pipe turbine vane. This parametric study is based on a numerical model which includes an one-dimensional vapor flow and a three-dimensional wall heat conduction. Heat transfer performance of the heat pipe turbine vane is represented by several parameters including the overall heat transfer coefficient, the temperature ratio, the cooling ratio and the ratios of performance limitations. It is shown that these performance parameters are sensitive to geometric dimensions, working fluid, and external heat transfer coefficients of the heat pipe turbine vane. Information resulting from this study can be used as guidance for design, test and operation of the heat pipe turbine vane.