Modeling, Design, and Optimization of Loop Heat Pipes

Yihang Zhao, Mingshan Wei () and Dan Dan
Additional contact information
Yihang Zhao: School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Mingshan Wei: School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Dan Dan: School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-40

Abstract: Thermal management technology based on loop heat pipes (LHPs) has broad application prospects in heat transfer control for aerospace and new energy vehicles. LHPs offer excellent heat transfer performance, reliability, and flexibility, making them suitable for high-heat flux density, high-power heat dissipation, and complex thermal management scenarios. However, due to limitations in heat source temperature and heat transfer power range, LHP-based thermal management systems still face challenges, especially in thermohydraulic modeling, component design, and optimization. Steady-state models improve computational efficiency and accuracy, while transient models capture dynamic behavior under various conditions, aiding performance evaluation during start-up and non-steady-state scenarios. Designs for single/multi-evaporators, compensation chambers, and wick materials are also reviewed. Single-evaporator designs offer compact and efficient start-up, while multi-evaporator designs handle complex thermal environments with multiple heat sources. Innovations in wick materials, such as porous metals, composites, and 3D printing, enhance capillary driving force and heat transfer performance. A comprehensive summary of working fluid selection criteria is conducted, and the effects of selecting organic, inorganic, and nanofluid working fluids on the performance of LHPs are evaluated. The selection process should consider thermodynamic properties, safety, and environmental friendliness to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, the mechanism and optimization methods of the start-up behavior, temperature oscillation, and non-condensable gas on the operating characteristics of LHPs were summarized. Optimizing vapor/liquid distribution, heat load, and sink temperature enhances start-up efficiency and minimizes temperature overshoot. Improved capillary structures and working fluids reduce temperature oscillations. Addressing non-condensable gases with materials like titanium and thermoelectric coolers ensures long-term stability and reliability. This review comprehensively discusses the development trends and prospects of LHP technology, aiming to guide the design and optimization of LHP.

Keywords: loop heat pipe; thermohydraulic modeling; component design; working fluids; operating characteristics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/16/3971/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/16/3971/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:16:p:3971-:d:1453886

Access Statistics for this article

Energies is currently edited by Ms. Agatha Cao

More articles in Energies from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().