Micro heat pipe is a two-phase heat transfer device offering effective high heat-flux removal in electronics cooling. Essentially, micro heat pipe relies on the phase change processes, namely evaporation and condensation, and the circulation of working fluid to function as heat transfer equipment. The vast applications of micro heat pipe in portable appliances necessitate its functionality under different orientations with respect to gravity. Therefore, its thermal performance is strongly related to its orientation. By incorporating solid wall conduction, together with the continuity, momentum, and energy equations of the working fluid, a mathematical model is developed to investigate the heat and fluid flow characteristics of inclined micro heat pipes. We investigate both the favorable and adverse effects of gravity on the circulation rate which is intimately related to the thermal performance of micro heat pipes. The effects of gravity, through the angle of inclination, on the circulation strength and heat transport capacity are analysed. This study serves as a useful analytical tool in the micro heat pipe design and performance analysis, associated with different inclinations and operating conditions.
Experimental study on the performance limitation of micro heat pipes of non circular cross-sections