This research investigated effects of parameters on heat transfer characteristics of a rectangular cross section heat pipe with mesh wick (RHP/MW). The working substance used Distilled Water and Refrigerant R-11. Heat loads at the evaporator were set at 20, 40, 60 and 80 W. Results revealed that, throughout the test, RHP/MW/ R-11 gave the highest heat transfer rate and average heat flux of 26.91 W and 2054.57 kW/m2 respectively. Heat Load of 80 W produced the lowest total thermal resistance of 0.4388 °C/W with the highest average thermal efficiency of 52.91%, the highest efficiency among the test cases. This is due to an increase of heat receiving areas of RHP/MW. More heat is transferred through the pipe wall to the wet perimeter of the working substance which caused the working substances in the evaporator to boil faster. The mesh wick also helped the condensed working substance to disperse around the inner tube wall and resulted in a thin film of the condensate liquid. This resulted in a higher heat transfer rate and heat flux for the RHP/MW. Mesh wick also generated capillary pressure that drew the condensed liquid back to the evaporator. The maximum capillary pressure obtained from the test was 93.29 N/m2 when the heat load of 80 W was applied to the RHP/MW/R-11. RHP/MW/R11 greatly enhances the heat transfer characteristics. Thus, it is suitable for application as an alternative to specific work sites that require smooth contact with heat receiving areas.
Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Ice Slurry in a Bending Flow Channel with Rectangular Cross Section.