Development of a Low-Cost Non-Tracking Heat Pipe Concentrating Collector

摘要

A solar water heater which uses a multi-heat-pipe energy absorber is discussed. In the absorber configuration, wickless heat pipes which rely on only gravity and a puddle-flow mechanism are used. In order to design an energy absorber with sufficient heat transfer capability, the performance of a puddle-flow gravity-assisted heat pipe is theoretically investigated. The maximum heat transport capability of methanol, water, and Freon-11 heat pipes was studied. The relationship between various heat pipe parameters and axial heat transport capability is discussed.