Numerical investigation of roll heat pipe type for heat exchangers thermal management

Heat pipes cooling technology is currently spreading out for many applications such as electronic, solar energy, air conditioning systems, space applications, telecommunications, food industries, geothermal systems, heat recovery etc. In this work, two numerical studies have been developed to investigate the thermal performance of a novel type of heat pipe called “Roll heat pipe (RHP)”. Results show that RHP performs better than annular pipes often used in heat exchangers. The effect of boundary conditions on the heat pipe thermal resistance is investigated. Results reveal that the RHP thermal resistance decreases with the heat input and RHP thermal performance is controlled by the outer surface temperature. Heat transfer inside RHP can be enhanced when heat is extracted quickly from the condenser region. Result reveals also that a higher grade of isothermalisation can be obtained compared with conventional tubular heat exchanger for uniform or localized heat inputs in the evaporator region. The objective of this study is to better understand the thermal performance of RHP type for further heat exchanger applications or other designs processes that are transient or steady. •An innovative heat pipe has been studied for further heat exchanger applications.•Two numerical studies have been developed and results are validated.•RHP devices have fast thermal response compared to annular tubes.•RHP has the ability to generate a high degree uniform temperature.