Heat transfer and Marangoni flow in a circular heat pipe using self-rewetting fluids

Abstract

In this study, Marangoni flow and heat transfer enhancement in a heat pipe have been investigated. The experiments were carried out at different heat inputs. A constant temperature water bath was used at the condenser section at three temperature levels. Heat transfer coefficients and thermal resistances of the heat pipe were measured for pure water and water/butanol solutions. The experimental results confirmed that the heat pipe filled with butanol solutions showed better thermal performance than the water-filled heat pipe. At maximum heat flux, 25% heat transfer improvement was obtained when 7 wt% butanol solution was used instead of pure water.

Keywords::

• heat pipe
• thermal resistance
• heat transfer coefficient
• Marangoni effect
• butanol
• self-rewetting fluids