Abstract
Enhancement of energy conversion devices has become an important task to reduce size and cost, and design efficient systems. In this work, enhancement of heat transfer performance of a two-phase closed thermosyphon has been investigated by making an internal surface roughness. Thus, a new advanced machining technique (Electrical Discharge Machining) is employed to modify the surface characteristics of a TPCT. The experimental work has been carried out at two initial sub-atmospheric pressures (3 and 30 kPa), heat input range of (90–160 W) and a fill ratio of 50% using water as a working fluid. The results of the new thermosyphon have been compared with a plain copper TPCT to consider the enhancement in thermal performance resulting from resurfacing of the thermosyphon wall. The results revealed that using internal wall roughness in TPCT can enhance its thermal performance by reducing the evaporator temperature, thereby the total thermal resistance decreasing by about 42% and 13% at initial pressures of 3 kPa and 30 kPa, respectively. On the other hand, the evaporator thermal resistance decreases and the evaporator heat transfer coefficient increases by about 115% and 68% at initial pressures of 3 kPa and 30 kPa, respectively. However, the condenser thermal performance decreases using the resurfaced TPCT compared with plain thermosyphon.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 128-136 |
Journal | Journal of Cleaner Production |
Volume | 185 |
Early online date | 3 Mar 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2018 |
Keywords
- two-phase closed thermosyphon
- surface roughness
- thermal performance enhancement
- thermal resistance