Characterization of a Condenser for a High Performance Multi-Condenser Loop Heat Pipe
Author(s)
Hanks, Daniel Frank
Peters, Teresa B.
Brisson II, John G
Wang, Evelyn
Date Issued
November 2011
Journal
Volume 10: Heat and Mass Transport Processes, Parts A and B
Publisher
ASME International
Citation
Hanks, Daniel F., Teresa B. Peters, John G. Brisson, and Evelyn N. Wang. “Characterization of a Condenser for a High Performance Multi-Condenser Loop Heat Pipe.” Volume 10: Heat and Mass Transport Processes, Parts A and B (2011).
Version
Final published version
Abstract
We experimentally characterized a condenser design for a multi-condenser loop heat pipe (LHP) capable of dissipating 1000 W. The LHP is designed for integration into a high performance air-cooled heat sink to address thermal management challenges in advanced electronic systems. The multi-layer stack of condensers utilizes a sintered wick design to stabilize the liquid-vapor interface and prevent liquid flooding of the lower condenser layers in the presence of a gravitational head. In addition a liquid subcooler is incorporated to suppress vapor flashing in the liquid return line. We fabricated the condensers using photo-chemically etched Monel frames with Monel sintered wicks with particle sizes up to 44 νm. We characterized the performance of the condensers in a custom experimental flow rig that monitors the pressure and temperatures of the vapor and liquid. The condenser dissipated the required heat load with a subcooling of up to 18°C, while maintaining a stable liquid-vapor interface with a capillary pressure of 6.2 kPa. In the future, we will incorporate the condenser into a loop heat pipe for a high performance air-cooled heat sink.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Terms of Use
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Persistent DSpace Link
DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2011-63250
