Numerical Simulation of a Micro Heat Pipe: Desing Optimization

Abstract

Heat transfer enhancement and design of MHP system has gained significant attention over the past few years. This paper aims at enhancing the boiling and condensation co-existing phase change heat transfer process inside a small and closed space. The mathematical model includes the Navier-Stokes equations describing the flow in the liquid and vapor phases, the Young-Laplace equation, are solved numerically using Runge-Kutta 4th order method to yield the heat transfer and all fluid flow characteristics of a micro heat pipe. The simulation results agree with numerical and experimental data well. It is that the heat pipe changes its heat transfer capacity in a wide range with the variation of heat source temperature, and hydraulic diameter. Heat transfer performance of micro heat pipe is also presented.