Operational characteristics of a top-heat-type long heat transport loop through a heat exchanger

Experimental studies are carried out on the operational characteristics of the top-heat-type long heat transport loop. This loop consists of a heated section, a cooled section, a reservoir, valves and tubes connecting these components. The heated section is about 3 m higher than the cooled section, and water is used as the working fluid inside the loop. Heat is applied from a detached heat source to the heated section by a heat transfer fluid through a heat exchanger, while the heat is discharged from the cooled section to a heat sink. It is confirmed that the temperatures and the pressures inside the loop vary cyclically corresponding to the valve operation, and the heat is transported downward continuously from the heated section to the cooled section. The experimental results are also shown on the effects of the liquid flow rate inside the heat exchanger and the temperatures of the heat source and the heat sink on the operational characteristics of the heat transport loop. Moreover, the discussion is made on the pressure difference inside the loop.