Parametric studies on pulsating heat pipe

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical investigation on pulsating heat pipe (PHP) to study the slug velocities as a function of various parameters. Design/methodology/approach - The governing equation of PHP is solved using explicit embedded Runge-Kutta method, the Dormand-Prince pair in conjunction with MATLAB with the nomenclature 45 for the determination of displacement and the velocity of the slug. Findings - The results show that lower fill ratio, higher diameter, higher operating temperature and higher temperature difference between evaporator and condenser for a given working fluid results in higher slug velocities, indicating higher momentum transfer and hence better heat transport. Research limitations/implications - Under steady state conditions, the design of a PHP is facilitated through the introduction of non-dimensional numbers. Originality/value - The displacement and slug velocities for additional working fluids, namely ethanol and methanol, are determined for the first time. The behaviour of non-dimensional numbers, i.e. Poiseuille number, capillary number and Eckert number in a PHP as a function of various parameters have been studied for the first time.