Design optimization of the condenser of loop heat pipe using a 1-dimensional numerical model

Abstract

     This paper reports the optimal calculation of loop heat pipe condensers length based on the maximum length of the condenser, the maximum heater temperature, and the condensation condition. A 1-dimensional numerical model, which assumes heat is transferred through 1 direction, was used for the calculation. A new solution algorithm was proposed using 3 additional conditions of condensers length, the pore diameter of the wick, and temperature limitation of the heat source besides the other 2 conditions of thermal energy balance and capillary/loss pressure. The calculation converged and the results were suitable qualitatively, for example, the condensers length was smaller in case of worsening condensation condition (natural convection) than in case of better condensation condition (forced convection) or to obtain shorter condensers length smaller pore diameter was required. However, experimental researches have to be carried out in the next step to confirm these results quantitatively