Modelling of a miniature loop heat pipe with a flat evaporator

摘要

The classic design of a loop heat pipe (LHP) usually includes a cylindrical evaporator design, where the heat generated at the wall has thermal/hydraulic contact with the surface of a cylindrical porous wick structure. Such a design is characterized by good technological and physical bases and a well-proven theory. It is capable to solve many practical tasks. However, also attempts to design a loop heat pipe with flat contacting surfaces between the heated wall and wick are of practical interest for applications for which the effective heat inputs to cylindrical evaporator surface is hardly realizable, or for which mounting surfaces require contact over a flat surface only. Worldwide there is only limited development of flat evaporator loop heat pipes. Therefore this study can be called a novelty. Besides of technological development the basis for physical modelling of such loop heat pipe should be elaborated. One possible approach based on the method of idealized elements for pressure and temperature prediction is presented.