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Heat utilisation technologies: A critical review of heat pipes

Chan, C.W.; Siqueiros, E.; Ling-Chin, J.; Royapoor, M.; Roskilly, A.P.

Authors

C.W. Chan

E. Siqueiros

M. Royapoor



Abstract

In electrical or thermal appliances, heat (thermal energy) must either be added into or removed from a system to maintain operational stability. Heat pipes can enhance the heat transfer capabilities without needing a significant temperature gradient between heat sources and heat sinks. The effectiveness of heat pipes is due to the latent heat of phase change of the working fluid within (i) condensation and (ii) evaporation stages. The latent heat of phase change greatly exceeds the sensible heat capacity. Heat pipes may rely on gravity, wicks, centrifugal force or in some cases even a magnetic field to help return condensate flow from the condenser to the evaporator. Wicks in heat pipes are classified into three groups: sintered, groove and mesh types. This review attempts to cover various types of heat pipes such as thermal diodes, variable conductance, pulsating, etc. The application of nanotechnology in heat pipes can be separated into two groups: nanoparticles and nanobubbles, with the latter receiving considerably less attention than the former. The hybridisation of heat pipe technology is also possible and has been discussed along with its future research potential.

Citation

Chan, C., Siqueiros, E., Ling-Chin, J., Royapoor, M., & Roskilly, A. (2015). Heat utilisation technologies: A critical review of heat pipes. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 50, 615-627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.05.028

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 9, 2015
Online Publication Date May 29, 2015
Publication Date Oct 31, 2015
Deposit Date Nov 26, 2019
Journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Print ISSN 1364-0321
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 50
Pages 615-627
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.05.028
Keywords Heat pipe; Wick; Evaporator; Condenser; Nanotechnology;
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1313101



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