Economic Analysis of Gravity Heat Pipe Exchanger Applied in Communication Base Station

This paper evaluates the economy of gravity heat pipe exchanger used for cooling communication base station to replace air conditioning in winter and transition seasons. The experimental data were analyzed, which proved that the gravity heat pipe exchanger can reduce running time and operating cost of air conditioning system. Based on the practical applications, the yearly cooling loads of a typical communication base station were calculated for five cities which represent the typical weather conditions of the five climatic zones in China. The results showed that the energy saving by using the gravity heat pipe exchanger is significant. The annual electricity-saving rate is the highest in Kunming, about 48.6%, while the annual electricity-saving rate is the lowest in Guangzhou, about 18.7% among the five climatic zones.