A Parametric Study of Performance Characteristics of Loop Heat Pipes 1999-01-2006

A parametric study of performance characteristics of a Loop Heat Pipe (LHP) is presented. A mathematical model, based on the steady-state energy conservation equations, is used. The calculations are performed by varying the operation conditions (heat load, sink and ambient temperatures, and elevation) and the LHP design parameters (working fluid, transport length size, external thermal conductance of the condenser and wick properties). The results are illustrated on LHP performance curves (saturation temperature as a function of applied power). All the results are compared with a baseline configuration to analyze the effects of different parameters. Operating limits due to various constraints such as heat transport limit, capillary pressure limit and the vapor pressure limit are discussed.