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Analytical Investigation of the Heat-Transfer Limits of a Novel Solar Loop-Heat Pipe Employing a Mini-Channel Evaporator

Author

Listed:
  • Thierno M. O. Diallo

    (School of Engineering, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK)

  • Min Yu

    (School of Engineering, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK)

  • Jinzhi Zhou

    (School of Engineering, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK)

  • Xudong Zhao

    (School of Engineering, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK)

  • Jie Ji

    (Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China)

  • David Hardy

    (School of Engineering, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK)

Abstract

This paper presents an analytical investigation of heat-transfer limits of a novel solar loop-heat pipe developed for space heating and domestic hot water use. In the loop-heat pipe, the condensate liquid returns to the evaporator via small specially designed holes, using a mini-channel evaporator. The study considered the commonly known heat-transfer limits of loop-heat pipes, namely, the viscous, sonic, entrainment, boiling and heat-transfer limits due to the two-phase pressure drop in the loop. The analysis considered the main factors that affect the limits in the mini-channel evaporator: the operating temperature, mini-channel aspect ratio, evaporator length, evaporator inclination angle, evaporator-to-condenser height difference and the dimension of the holes. It was found that the entrainment is the main governing limit of the system operation. With the specified loop design and operational conditions, the solar loop-heat pipe can achieve a heat-transport capacity of 725 W. The analytical model presented in this study can be used to optimise the heat-transfer capacity of the novel solar loop-heat pipe.

Suggested Citation

  • Thierno M. O. Diallo & Min Yu & Jinzhi Zhou & Xudong Zhao & Jie Ji & David Hardy, 2018. "Analytical Investigation of the Heat-Transfer Limits of a Novel Solar Loop-Heat Pipe Employing a Mini-Channel Evaporator," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:1:p:148-:d:125893
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhou, Jinzhi & Zhao, Xudong & Ma, Xiaoli & Qiu, Zhongzhu & Ji, Jie & Du, Zhenyu & Yu, Min, 2016. "Experimental investigation of a solar driven direct-expansion heat pump system employing the novel PV/micro-channels-evaporator modules," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 484-495.
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    Cited by:

    1. Cui, Yuanlong & Zhu, Jie & Zoras, Stamatis & Zhang, Jizhe, 2021. "Comprehensive review of the recent advances in PV/T system with loop-pipe configuration and nanofluid," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    2. Liu, Xuexiang & Liu, Haowen & Zhao, Xudong & Han, Zhonghe & Cui, Yu & Yu, Min, 2022. "A novel neural network and grey correlation analysis method for computation of the heat transfer limit of a loop heat pipe (LHP)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    3. Diallo, Thierno M.O. & Yu, Min & Zhou, Jinzhi & Zhao, Xudong & Shittu, Samson & Li, Guiqiang & Ji, Jie & Hardy, David, 2019. "Energy performance analysis of a novel solar PVT loop heat pipe employing a microchannel heat pipe evaporator and a PCM triple heat exchanger," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 866-888.
    4. Yu, Min & Chen, Fucheng & Zhou, Jinzhi & Yuan, Yanping & Fan, Yi & Li, Guiqiang & Zhao, Xudong & Wang, Zhangyuan & Li, Jing & Zheng, Siming, 2022. "Experimental investigation of a novel vertical loop-heat-pipe PV/T heat and power system under different height differences," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(PA).
    5. Ji, Yasheng & Yuan, Yanping & Zhao, Kaiming & Ji, Wenhui & Zhou, Jinzhi, 2023. "Numerical study on the heat transfer limits of a novel dual-condenser heat pipe integrated with photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    6. Eui Guk Jung & Joon Hong Boo, 2019. "A Novel Analytical Modeling of a Loop Heat Pipe Employing the Thin-Film Theory: Part I—Modeling and Simulation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-21, June.
    7. Yu, Min & Diallo, Thierno M.O. & Zhao, Xudong & Zhou, Jinzhi & Du, Zhenyu & Ji, Jie & Cheng, Yuanda, 2018. "Analytical study of impact of the wick’s fractal parameters on the heat transfer capacity of a novel micro-channel loop heat pipe," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 746-759.

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