Hydrodynamic and Thermal Study of a Water-Filled Micro- Heat-Pipe Array

A detailed mathematical model for predicting the heat transport capability and the temperature distribution along the axial direction of a 55-micro-heat-pipe array, filled with a polar fluid (water), has been developed. This steady-state model combines hydrodynamic flow equations with heat transfer equations in both the condensing and evaporating thin films. The velocity, pressure, and temperature distributions in the vapor and liquid phases are calculated. Various boundary conditions fixed to the micro-heat-pipe evaporator and condenser have been simulated to study the thermal performance of the micro-heat-pipe array below and above the capillary limit. The effect of the dryout or flooding phenomena on the micro-heat-pipe performance, according to boundary conditions and fluid fill charge, can also be predicted.