Optimum design of a heat pipe

Abstract EN

-This research deals with the optimum design of the heat pipe components using Matlab program, version 7, at the determined operating conditions.

The heat pipe is used to transfer maximum available thermal energy to heat the feed water entering steam boiler.

The affecting parameters on heat pipe performance were detailed as well as the transport limitations and the thermal resistances of the heat pipe parts.

Satisfactory results were obtained for the heat pipe dimensions, components and design influentials.

Also, the parameters affecting the heat transfer rate and the working fluid mass-flow rate were discussed.

From the important results, the heat pipe heat transfer capability is directly proportional with each of the heat pipe bore, the wick c/s area and the heat pipe effective length, and inversely with each of the capillary radius and the working fluid viscosity.