Experimental study on flat loop heat pipes used in HCPV systems

ZHU Huiyuan; ZHANG Xianfeng; LIU Quan; LIU Minghou

doi:10.3969/j.issn.0253-2778.2013.05.007

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Experimental study on flat loop heat pipes used in HCPV systems

1.
Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
2.
China Electronics Technology Group Corporation No. 38 Research Institute, Hefei 230088, China

Cite this:

https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.0253-2778.2013.05.007

Received Date: 15 January 2013
Rev Recd Date: 26 March 2013
Publish Date: 31 May 2013

Abstract Full text PDF

Abstract

Abstract

A flat loop heat pipe (FLHP) with a mixed sintered wick was designed for cooling off high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar cells. The effect of heat load, inclination angle and condenser parameters on the start-up and operating performance of the heat pipe was experimentally studied. It was found that the heat pipe can basically meet the needs of HCPV cooling both in heat load and installation angle requirements. The maximum heat load is up to 320 W (40 W/cm2) when the temperature of the heating surface is under 100 ℃. Relative positions between evaporator and accumulator, evaporator and condenser have important influences on the start-up and operating performance of the heat pipe. The pipe may start more easily when the compensation chamber is under the evaporator. The start-up temperature of low heat load drops when the condenser is placed above the evaporator. The capability of anti-gravity start-up performance of the heat pipe can be improved by reducing the flow rate of cooling water in the condenser.

Abstract

A flat loop heat pipe (FLHP) with a mixed sintered wick was designed for cooling off high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar cells. The effect of heat load, inclination angle and condenser parameters on the start-up and operating performance of the heat pipe was experimentally studied. It was found that the heat pipe can basically meet the needs of HCPV cooling both in heat load and installation angle requirements. The maximum heat load is up to 320 W (40 W/cm2) when the temperature of the heating surface is under 100 ℃. Relative positions between evaporator and accumulator, evaporator and condenser have important influences on the start-up and operating performance of the heat pipe. The pipe may start more easily when the compensation chamber is under the evaporator. The start-up temperature of low heat load drops when the condenser is placed above the evaporator. The capability of anti-gravity start-up performance of the heat pipe can be improved by reducing the flow rate of cooling water in the condenser.