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Experimental investigation of surface chemistry on the performance of heat pipes
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- Author / Creator
- Kabir, Raihanul
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Much research has been performed over the past few decades on heat pipe performance enhancement. A major thrust of investigation has been to examine factors impacting condensation. Measurements suggest that drop-wise condensation achieves a comparatively larger rate of condensate discharge on smooth and textured surfaces. To promote drop-wise condensation, surface chemical treatments can be used. In some cases (e.g. carbon nanotube coating), the chemical treatments in question increase the overall thermal conductivity. More typically, however, the effect of the chemical treatment is to increase the resistance to heat transfer by conduction. In such instances, there is a trade-off associated with the application of surface chemical treatments because they decrease conduction but facilitate enhanced convection. The current research focuses on the effect of surface energy on the condenser section of a representative flat plate heat pipe. Our experimental design includes a transparent top, and so allows for visual confirmation of the mode of condensation. Observations and measurements can, therefore, be compared against those collected in a small-scale condensation chamber that includes metal coupons having different surface chemical properties.
In this study small coupons of 25.4 mm * 25.4 mm * 3 mm (Length * Breadth * Thickness) are chemically treated to create hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces and examined in terms of condensation behaviour inside a condensation chamber. Visual data has been analyzed with the help of Image Pro Premier software. In particular, we quantify the degree to which a superhydrophobic coating increases the degree of water droplet shedding. By extension, we quantify the degree to which applying a low surface energy coating in the condenser section of a heat pipe decreases overall thermal resistance and thereby increases heat pipe performance. Additionally, we also explore the effect of the angle of inclination on the performance of the heat pipe in terms of the temperature profile along the external wall of the heat pipe.
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2024
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Library with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.