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http://dx.doi.org/10.3795/KSME-B.2010.34.12.1079

Analytical Modeling of a Loop Heat Pipe with a Flat Evaporator by Applying Thin-Film Theory  

Jung, Eui-Guk (New and Renewable Energy Division, Korea Institute of Energy Research)
Boo, Joon-Hong (School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Korea Aerospace Univ.)
Publication Information
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B / v.34, no.12, 2010 , pp. 1079-1085 More about this Journal
Abstract
A steady-state analytical model was presented for a loop heat pipe (LHP) with an evaporator that has a flat geometry. On the basis of a series of reviews of the relevant literature, a sequence of calculations was proposed to predict the temperatures and pressures at each important part of the LHP: the evaporator, liquid reservoir (compensation chamber), liquid line, vapor line, and condenser. The analysis of the evaporator, which is the only part in the LHP that has a capillary structure, was emphasized. Thin-film theory is applied to account for the pressure and temperature in the region adjacent to the liquid-vapor interface in the evaporator. The present study introduced a unique method to estimate the liquid temperature at the interface. Relative freedom was assumed in the configuration of a condenser with a simplified liquid-vapor interface. Our steady-state model was validated by experimental results available in the literature. The relative error was within 3% on the absolute temperature scale, and reasonable agreement was obtained.
Keywords
Loop Heat Pipe; Thin-Film Theory; Analytical Modeling;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 1  (Citation Analysis)
Times Cited By SCOPUS : 0
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