Experimental study on operating parameters of miniature loop heat pipe with flat evaporator

Miniature loop heat pipe (MLHP) with flat evaporator has been proved that it has the capability to fulfill the demand for the thermal management of high-power electronic system. To employ MLHP into practical application and obtain the best operating parameters, a copper-water MLHP with flat evaporator of 8 mm thick was fabricated and tested in the condition of different condenser locations and operating orientations. The results show that the condenser located close to the evaporator outlet and adverse orientation have positive impact on the operating temperature of the loop, but negative impact on the cooling capability of condenser. For better understanding of their effect on the heat transfer characteristics of MLHP, the start-up behaviors, thermal performance and the operating regimes are explored in detail.

► A copper-water MLHP with flat evaporator of only 8 mm thick was fabricated. ► The MLHP can be applied to electronic cooling. ► The effect of condenser locations was investigated for the first time. ► The experimental results were discussed and analyzed comprehensively. ► Some practical solutions for disadvantages of LHP operation were provided.