Experimental study of effects of wicks and boundary conditions on thermal performance of heat pipes

The inherent two-phase heat transport of heat pipes (HPs) is progressively being examined for potential uses. These thermal devices are affected by many operating factors, prompting this study to investigate the effects of different types of wicks and working conditions on the time-dependent thermal behavior. Primarily, the effects of different wick performances were investigated under various operating conditions. The resulting surface temperatures depicted in the time to steady performance and the dry-out behavior revealed the conditions to improve the HPs design. The thermal resistance decreased from 0.6 K/W (at 25 W) to 0.05 K/W (at 200 W) by increasing the HP diameter from 6 to 10 mm; these values are relative to those of copper rods, which decrease from 2.70 K/W (at 25 W) to 0.40 K/W (at 200 W). Non-linear and linear temperature responses were recorded when the HPs diameter and length were varied. Compared to conventional mesh and groove wicks, the composite groove-sintered, mesh-sintered, and groove-mesh wicks recorded lower thermal resistance with distinctively faster startup times, lower startup temperatures, better temperature uniformity and less dynamic instability. Tilting the HPs relative to the horizontal position lessens failure tendencies. Usually, dynamic responses are typically first-order under the conditions studied. Hence, proper sizing of HPs and correct wick selection can improve their performance.