An experimental investigation into the deployment of 3-D, finned wing and shape memory alloy vortex generators in a forced air convection heat pipe fin stack

► Heat transfer enhancements of heat pipe fin stacks was successfully achieved using fixed and active delta wing vortex generators. ► The active vortex generators, made from Ti-Ni, protruded into the flow stream at high temperatures and resume a low profile position at a low temperature set point. ► By considering wing spacing and the distance from the leading edge of the fin stack, heat transfer enhancements of up to 37%, compared to plane fin stacks, were achieved. ► By replacing the fixed delta wings with the active vortex generators, heat transfer enhancements of up to 16% was achieved and the pressure loss associated with flow obstructions was effectively managed.