Numerical Simulation Study of the Heat Transfer Performance in Ω-Shape Grooved Heat Pipes

Abstract

Heat pipes are devices capable of very high heat transfer and have been widely used in many thermal management applications. An experimental investigation and CFD simulation of thermal characteristics of heat pipe were presented in the present work. It can be found that using FLUENT can simulate the evaporation and condensation in heat pipe. With the increase of slit width, thermal resistance and the maximum heat transfer capacity of the heat pipe have a decline trend, while the equivalent thermal conductivity of the heat pipe increases gradually. With the increase of channel diameter, thermal resistance and the maximum heat transfer capacity of the heat pipe have an upward trend, while the equivalent thermal conductivity of the heat pipe reduces gradually. Results in the present work can provide guidance to further research of grooved heat pipe.