Design and Optimization of Portable Heat Pipe

Systems for High-Temperature Heat Transfer

Using Concentrated Solar Power.

PRINZE URANUS M. CALAJATE

BSME-3A
OBJECTIVE:
In recent years, there has been a significant
demand for portable heat transfer solutions
across industries. Concentrated solar power
(CSP) offers a promising renewable energy
source for high-temperature heat transfer in
portable applications. The research
objective is to design and optimize portable
heat pipe systems using CSP, aiming for
enhanced thermal efficiency, compactness,
durability, and integration with CSP
technologies. This study contributes to the
development of efficient and sustainable
portable heat transfer solutions powered by
CSP.
 SCOPE AND DELIMETATION
SCOPE
Design and optimize portable heat pipe systems for high-
temperature heat transfer using concentrated solar power.

Consider temperature ranges above 100 degrees Celsius, up to

a maximum of 500 degrees Celsius.

Cover a range of power outputs suitable for portable

applications.

Explore various sizes and dimensions of portable heat pipe

systems, balancing compactness and heat transfer efficiency.
LIMITATIONS

Limited research timeline may restrict the depth and breadth of

investigations.
Availability of resources, including facilities, equipment,
materials, and funding, may impact research scope.
Technical challenges such as fluid selection, wicking structure
design, and system integration will be addressed within
available resources and expertise.
Findings may be specific to investigated systems and
technologies, requiring additional research for generalizability.
METHODOLOGY
Research Objectives:
Design, optimize, and characterize portable heat
pipe systems integrated with concentrated solar
power (CSP).
Improve thermal efficiency, reduce thermal losses,
and enhance overall system performance.
Explore innovative design configurations,
materials, and manufacturing processes for
portable heat pipes.
METHODOLOGY
Research Approach:
Experimental Investigations:
Gathered data on thermal performance under different
conditions and configurations.
Validated system performance through empirical
evidence.
Varying parameters: solar energy input, thermal load,
working fluid flow rate, and operating temperatures.
Collected data: heat transfer rates, temperature
distributions, pressure drops, and fluid flow characteristics.
METHODOLOGY
Research Approach:
Numerical Simulations:
Complemented experimental data and optimized system design
and operation.
Used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model fluid flow and
heat transfer phenomena.
Developed numerical models based on governing equations and
system geometry.
Calibrated and validated models using experimental data.
Analyzed system behavior and performance under different
scenarios.
Optimized design parameters and operating conditions for
enhanced heat transfer efficiency.
METHODOLOGY
Experimental Setup:
Portable Heat Pipe System Design:
Considered suitable working fluid, wick structure, and casing material.
Preferred materials with high thermal conductivity and corrosion
resistance.
Experimental Components and Instrumentation:
Solar simulator: adjustable intensity and concentration for solar energy
input.
Heat pipe test section: replicated the system with accurate dimensions.
Heat source: adjustable electric heater for controlled heat input.
Temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and instrumentation for data
measurement and recording.
METHODOLOGY
Experimental Setup:
Experimental Procedure:
Conducted tests under different conditions, controlling solar energy input,
thermal load, and fluid flow rate.
Collected data on heat transfer rate, temperature distribution, pressure
drop, and fluid flow characteristics.
Data Collection and Analysis:
Analyzed experimental data using statistical techniques.
Validated and refined numerical models using experimental data.
METHODOLOGY
Numerical Simulation Techniques:
Numerical Modeling:
Used CFD software to simulate fluid flow and heat transfer.
Developed models based on fundamental equations and
accurate system representation.
Model Validation and Calibration:
Calibrated models using experimental data to ensure accuracy.
Adjusted model parameters to match experimental results.

METHODOLOGY
Numerical Simulation Techniques:
Parametric Studies and Optimization:
Investigated effects of design parameters and operating
conditions on system performance.
Optimized design and operating parameters for improved heat
transfer efficiency.
Limitations and Assumptions:
Addressed limitations and assumptions associated with
numerical simulations.
Focused primarily on thermal aspects and acknowledged
other factors.
MATERIALS:
Heat Pipe Casing Material:
Copper, Aluminum, Stainless steel, Alloys

Wick Structure Material:

Sintered metal powders, Metal meshes,
Composite materials

Working Fluid:
Ammonia, Water, Ethanol, Organic fluids

Insulation Material:
Ceramic fibers, Mineral wool, Vacuum insulation
panels
MATERIALS:
Factors to consider:
Thermal conductivity, Mechanical strength,
Capillary pumping capability, Wettability,
Chemical compatibility, Thermophysical
properties,
Corrosion resistance, Durability, Manufacturability

Material selection varies based on:

Application requirements, Temperature ranges,
Cost considerations

Importance of material selection:

Efficient heat transfer, System reliability, Thermal
efficiency improvement
the end