CHAPTER 3

Experimental Setup and Methodology

3.1 Experimental Setup

Our experimental setup heat pipe heat exchanger was designed and developed by Rathi [3] to
perform the parametric investigations on it. Yash shah designed and developed the heat pipe
by the effect of filling ratio, screen mesh size and enhancing the performance of heat pipe heat
exchanger by creating roughness on evaporation section i.e. creating nucleation site and by
hydrophobic coating respectively. The heat pipe heat exchanger setup is consists of copper
heat pipe, multimeter for measuring voltage and ampere, PT-100 temperature sensor for
measuring the temperature of different location, heater, stainless steel condenser shell, inlet
and outlet connection for water, stand with facility of varying the angle of condenser. The
heating is provided at the lower part of the heat pipe with the help of an artificial heater i.e.
spiral electrical heater. The water is circulated in the condenser to measure the heat transfer
rate by condenser. To prevent heat losses, the container is insulated with glass wool
insulation. The Figure 3.1 shows schematic diagram.[4]

Figure 3.1 Schematic diagram of our experimental setup[4]

12
Figure 3.2 Location of temperature sensor on test section[12]

Figure 3.3: Pictorial view of experimental setup

13
3.1.1 Components of our experimental setup are as follows:-
1. Copper Heat Pipe
2. Stainless Steel Container
3. Non Return Valve
4. Temperature sensors
5. Temperature Indicator
6. Variac
7. Voltmeter and ammeter
8. Electric Heater
9. Water inlet and outlet pipes
10. Water Tank
11. Heat Pipe Stand

Figure 3.4 Components of our experimental setup

14
3.2 Specifications of our Experimental Setup
Table 3.1 Specification of our Experimental Setup[4]
Specifications Dimensions
Outer radius of container 0.057 m
Inner radius of container 0.054 m
Height of container 0.7 m
Volume of container 7.31 * 10^-4m3
Density of SS 304 8033 kg/m^3
Mass of container 5.87 kg
Radius of flange 0.085 m
Thickness of flange 0.010 m
Volume of flange 2.26 *10-4m^3
Mass of flange 1.81 kg
Total no. of flange 4
Total mass of flange 7.25kg
Mass of extruded parts of container 2 kg
Total mass of container 15.12 kg
Thermocouple PT-100 Type (-99 to 400 °C)
AC 0-750 volts,
0-20 ampere,
Multi meter DC 0-750 volts
OD = 0.0254 m
ID = 0.023 m
Thickness = 1.2 mm
Copper heat pipe Length = 1.2 m
Capacity = 1 KW
Shape = helical
Heater Length = 0.25 m

3.3 Methodology of Experimental Investigation of Heat Pipe

● Place the temperature sensor at the desired position on the heat pipe and fix it by m-
seal.
● Inserting the heat pipe in the condenser section.
● Fix the heater on the evaporator section.
● Put the temperature sensor at the water inlet and outlet section of the condenser to
determine the temperature of the water inlet and outlet.
● Insulate the heat pipe with glass-wool insulation.
● Set the required mass flow rate
● Start the experiment and note down the temperature readings of different sections.
15
3.4 Parameters to be studied in the Experiment
In this project we are going to perform our experiment on a new experimental setup by
varying certain parameters such as:-

Table 3.2: Operating Parameters throughout experiment

Parameters Values
Filling Ratio 40%
Inclination 45 Degree
Voltage 225 volt
Current 1.5 amp
Heat load (Q) 337.5 Watt
Mass Flow rate 2.857 x 10-3 kg/sec
Wick Layer 0, 1, etc.
Wick or Mesh Size 100
Pressure 1 Atm, 0.6 Atm, 0.2 Atm

3.5 Comparison between an Old and New Experimental Setup

3.5.1 Heat pipe

16
 Figure 3.4 Previous setup heat pipe

Figure 3.5 Present setup heat pipe

3.5.2 Non return valve

Figure 3.6 Previous NRV

17
 Figure 3.7 Present NRV

3.5.3 Heat pipe with NRV

Figure 3.8 Previous heat pipe with NRV

18
Figure 3.9 Present heat pipe with NRV

19
 CHAPTER 4
Results and Discussion

4.1 Performance Parameter

The performance of heat pipe heat exchanger is investigated on the basis of following
performance parameters:

Heat Output = Eo = m ∗ Cp ∗ΔT

Power Input = Ei = V ∗ I

Where,
m = Mass flow rate of water (kg/s)
Cp = Specific heat capacity of water (kJ/kgK)
ΔT = Temperature difference between water inlet and outlet of condenser
V = Voltage (volts)
I = Current (ampere)

The evaporation, condensation and overall thermal resistances of heat pipe were calculated
using following equations:

Where,
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Te = Average temperature of evaporator section,
Ta = Average temperature of adiabatic section,
Tc = Average temperature of condenser section and
Q = Heat input.

The evaporation, condensation and overall heat transfer coefficient of heat pipe were
calculated using following equations:

Where,
Te is the average temperature of evaporator section,
Tc is the average temperature of condenser section and
Q is the heat input

21
4.2 Parametric Investigations on Heat Pipe

Figure 4.1: Position of thermocouple on test section (all dimensions are in mm)

4.2.1 Effects of Varying Pressure (Wickless Heat Pipe)

Table 4.1: Parameters to be constant throughout 0 Wick Layer Experiment.

Parameters Values
Filling Ratio 40% = 186ml
Inclination 45 Degree
Voltage 225 volt
Current 1.5 amp
Heat load (Q) 337.5 Watt
Mass Flow rate 2.857 x 10-3 kg/sec
Wick Layer 0
Pressure 1 Atm, 0.6 Atm, 0.2 Atm

Table 4.2: Readings of 0 Wick Layer experiment.

22
 Adiabatic Evaporator Inlet Outlet Temperature
Condenser Section Section Section Temperature Temperature Difference
Pressure
(Atm) T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T9- T8
                     
1 44.35 44.75 64.25 105.85 106.35 107.45 110.25 27.9 41.55 13.65
0.6 48.6 49.8 67.05 100.5 101.35 103.15 103.75 28.85 44.25 15.4
0.2 55.35 56.75 77.65 97.85 98.15 99.1 101.9 31.15 48.4 17.25

Pressur
e (Atm) Avg-Tc Avg-Ta Avg-Te Qc (W) Rc Re Rth
Efficiency he hc hover
                       
1 51.11 106.1 108.85 162.93 0.3376 0.0081 0.1710 48.27 6157.17 307.96 293.29
0.6 55.15 100.925 103.45 183.82 0.2490 0.00748 0.1431 54.46 6704.27 369.77 350.44
0.2 63.25 98 100.5 205.90 0.1687 0.00740 0.1103 61.00 6781.50 487.10 454.40

1. Temperature variation with time

Starting Characteristic Curve for 0 Wick and 1atm

120

100
T1
Temperature in oC

80 T2
T3
60 T4
T5
40
T6
T7
20

0
0 40 60 100 150 210 240
Time in mins

Figure 4.2.1: Temperature Variation Curve for 1 Atm

23
 Starting Characteristic Curve for 0 Wick and
0.6atm
120

100 T1
T2
Temperature in oC
80 T3
T4
60
T5
40 T6
T7
20

0
0 30 60 150 210 240
Time in mins

Figure 4.2.2: Temperature Variation Curve for 0.6 Atm

Starting Characteristic Curve for 0 Wick and

0.2atm
120

100 T1
T2
Temperature in oC

80 T3
T4
60
T5
40 T6
T7
20

0
0 30 60 90 120 150 180 220
Time in mins

Figure 4.2.3: Temperature Variation Curve for 0.2 Atm

24
2. Temperature Distribution in Axial Direction

Temperature Distribution
120

100

80
Temperature in ºC

1 atm
60 0.6 atm
0.2 atm
40

20

0
0 30 40 57 63 90 120
Distance in cm

Figure 4.3: Temperature distribution of 0 wick layer with varying pressure

3. Heat Transfer Coefficient

Heat Transfer Coefficient (W/m2 ºC)

Heat Transfer Coefficient

7000.00

6000.00

5000.00

4000.00 he
hc
3000.00 hover
2000.00

1000.00

0.00
1 Atm 0.6 Atm 0.2 Atm
Pressure

Figure 4.4: Heat Transfer Coefficient of 0 wick layer with varying pressure

25
4. Thermal Resistance

Thermal Resistance (ºC/W)

Thermal Resistance
0.4000
0.3500
0.3000
0.2500
re
0.2000 rc
0.1500 rth
0.1000
0.0500
0.0000
1 atm 0.6 atm 0.2 atm
Pressure

Figure 4.5: Thermal Resistance of 0 wick layer with varying pressure

26
4.2.2 Effects of Varying Pressure (1 Wick Layer Heat Pipe)

Table 4.3: Parameters to be constant throughout 1 Wick Layer Experiment.

Parameters Values
Filling Ratio 40% = 172ml
Inclination 45 Degree
Voltage 225 volt
Current 1.5 amp
Heat load (Q) 337.5 Watt
Mass Flow rate 2.857 x 10-3 kg/sec
Wick Layer 1
Pressure 1 Atm, 0.6 Atm, 0.2 Atm

Table 4.4: Readings of 1 Wick Layer experiment

Adiabatic Evaporator Inlet Outlet Temp
Condenser Section Section Section Temperature Temperature Diffe
Pressure
(Atn) T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T9
 
110.
1 58.8 59.55 75.4 109.75 3 111.75 112.8 32.75 50.1 1
104.
0.6 58.6 59.25 69.7 103.95 8 106.05 106.55 32.7 51.45 1
100.
0.2 60.45 61.1 74.95 99.9 3 101.25 101.6 32.25 52.15 1

Pressure
(Atn) Avg-Tc Avg-Ta Avg-Te Qc (W) Rc Re Rth Efficiency he hc
 
1 64.58 110.02 112.27 207.09 0.2194 0.0066 0.1413 61.36 7526.66 372.49
0.6 62.51 104.37 106.30 223.81 0.1870 0.0057 0.1297 66.31 8794.53 404.38
0.2 65.50 100.10 101.42 237.53 0.1456 0.0039 0.1064 70.38 12779.36 489.21

27
1. Temperature variation with time

Starting Characteristic Curve for 1 Wick and 1atm

120

100
T1
Temperature in oC

80 T2
T3
60 T4
T5
40
T6
20 T7

0
0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210
Time in mins

Figure 4.6.1: Temperature Variation Curve for 1Atm

Starting Characteristic Curve for 1 Wick and

0.6atm
120

100 T1
T2
Temperature in oC

80 T3
T4
60
T5
40 T6
T7
20

0
0 30 90 150 210 240 270
Time in mins

Figure 4.6.2: Temperature Variation Curve for 0.6Atm

28
 Starting Characteristic Curve for 1 Wick and
0.2atm
120

100 T1
Temperature in oC T2
80 T3
T4
60
T5
40 T6
T7
20

0
0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210
Time in mins

Figure 4.6.3: Temperature Variation Curve for 0.2Atm

2. Temperature Distribution in Axial Direction

Temperature Distribution
120

100
Temperature in ºC

80
1 atm
60 0.6 atm
0.2 atm
40

20

0
0 30 40 57 63 90 120
Distance in cm

Figure 4.7: Temperature distribution of 1 wick layer with varying pressure

29
3. Heat Transfer Coefficient
Heat Transfer Coefficient (W/m2 ºC)

Heat Transfer Coefficient

12000.00

10000.00

8000.00
he
6000.00 hc
hover
4000.00

2000.00

0.00
1 atm 0.6 atm 0.2 atm

Pressure
Figure 4.8: Heat Transfer Coefficient of 1 wick layer with varying pressure

4. Thermal Resistance
Thermal Resistance (ºC/W)

Thermal Resistance
0.2500

0.2000

0.1500 re
rc
0.1000 rth

0.0500

0.0000
1 atm 0.6 atm 0.2 atm
Pressure

Figure 4.9: Thermal Resistance of 1 wick layer with varying pressure

30
4.2.2 Comparison of Results

1. Comparison of Heat Transfer Coefficients on Pressure for 0 and 1 Wick layer:

Heat Transfer Coefficient

Heat Transfer Coefficient (W/m2 ºC)

13000.00
12000.00
11000.00
10000.00
0 Layer- 1 atm
9000.00
0 Layer- 0.6 atm
8000.00 0 Layer- 0.2 atm
7000.00 1 Layer- 1 atm
6000.00 1 Layer- 0.6 atm
5000.00 1 Layer- 0.2 atm
4000.00
3000.00
2000.00
1000.00
0.00
he hc hover
Figure 4.10.1: Bar Representation of Heat Transfer Coefficient of 0 and 1 wick layer with varying
pressure

Heat Transfer Coefficient

Heat Transfer Coefficient (W/m2 ºC)

13000.00
12000.00
11000.00
10000.00
9000.00 he- 1wick
8000.00 hc- 1wick
7000.00 hover- 1wick
6000.00 he- 0wick
5000.00 hc- 0wick
4000.00 hover- 0wick
3000.00
2000.00
1000.00
0.00
1 atm 0.6 atm 0.2 atm

Pressure

Figure 4.10.2: Heat Transfer Coefficient of 0 and 1 wick layer with varying pressure

31
2. Comparison of Thermal Resistance on Pressure for 0 and 1 Wick layer:

Thermal Resistance
0.4000

0.3500
Thermal Resistance (ºC/W)

0.3000 0 Layer- 1 atm

0 Layer- 0.6 atm
0.2500 0 Layer- 0.2 atm
1 Layer- 1 atm
0.2000
1 Layer- 0.6 atm
0.1500 1 Layer- 0.2 atm

0.1000

0.0500

0.0000
rc re rth
Figure 4.11.1: Bar Representation of Thermal Resistance of 0 and 1 wick layer with varying pressure

Thermal Resistance
Thermal Resistance (ºC/W)

0.4000

0.3500

0.3000
re- 1wick
0.2500 rc- 1wick
0.2000 rth- 1wick
re- 0wick
0.1500 rc- 0wick
rth- 0wick
0.1000

0.0500

0.0000
1 atm 0.6 atm 0.2 atm
Pressure

Figure 4.11.2: Thermal Resistance of 0 and 1 wick layer with varying pressure

32
4.3 Uncertainty Analysis of Heat Pipe

33
 CHAPTER 5
Summary and Proposed Work

4.1 Summary

In today's scenario, waste heat recovery is a major concern for utilization of the waste energy
and the same can be used in some of the productive applications. From the literature review,
it
is concluded that heat pipes can play major role in waste heat recovery. The performance of
heat pipe improves by adding nano particles compared with conventional fluid but the cost of
nano particles is more. The heat pipe performance can be improved by creating surface
roughness on evaporator side and by applying the film coating on the condenser side i.e.
creating nucleation sites.

4.2 Proposed Work

● It is proposed to carry out parametric studies on heat pipe on the modified

experimental setup. The parameters to be studied are filling ratio, heat input,
orientation of heat pipe, wick mesh size and number of wick layers.
● It is also proposed to study the effects of artificial roughness on the evaporator side
and TFE (Tetrafluoroethylene) film coating on the condenser side of the heat pipe.

34
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4. Vineet Kumar. Parametric studies on heat pipe. Master's thesis, Nirma University,
2017

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