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Visualization Investigation of Heat Transfer Behavior in a Flat-Tube Shaped Heat Pipe

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Listed:
  • Jue Li

    (CIMC Enric Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210048, China
    School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China)

  • Ruofan Wang

    (School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China)

  • Ting Xia

    (School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China)

  • Haijun Chen

    (School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China)

Abstract

Unveiling the heat transfer behavior of solar collectors in concentrating solar thermochemical energy storage is crucial for harnessing full-spectrum solar light. In this study, a glass Flat Tube-Shaped Heat Pipe (FT-SHP) was developed, and a visualization experimental platform was established to investigate its internal operation mechanisms and heat transfer characteristics. The results revealed that the liquid filling ratio (FR) significantly affects the heat transfer performance, with an optimal value identified as 25%. As the heat flow temperature in the evaporation section increased, both the Bubble Growing Frequency (BGF) and Droplet Condensation Reflux Period (DCRP) decreased, leading to a reduction in thermal resistance. Conversely, an increase in the cooling flow rate resulted in opposite trends in BGF and DCRP within the tube, while both the Reynolds ( Re ) number and thermal resistance decreased. As such, an empirical correlation between thermal resistance and Re number was derived, demonstrating a nonlinear relationship between thermal resistance, BGF, and DCRP. These findings provide important insights for the design of heat pipes, with the potential to enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar collectors.

Suggested Citation

  • Jue Li & Ruofan Wang & Ting Xia & Haijun Chen, 2025. "Visualization Investigation of Heat Transfer Behavior in a Flat-Tube Shaped Heat Pipe," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1219-:d:1603701
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Naghavi, M.S. & Ong, K.S. & Badruddin, I.A. & Mehrali, Mohammad & Metselaar, H.S.C., 2017. "Thermal performance of a compact design heat pipe solar collector with latent heat storage in charging/discharging modes," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 101-115.
    2. Alvarez Rivero, M. & Rodrigues, D. & Pinheiro, C.I.C. & Cardoso, J.P. & Mendes, L.F., 2022. "Solid–gas reactors driven by concentrated solar energy with potential application to calcium looping: A comparative review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    3. Koepf, E. & Alxneit, I. & Wieckert, C. & Meier, A., 2017. "A review of high temperature solar driven reactor technology: 25years of experience in research and development at the Paul Scherrer Institute," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 620-651.
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