Thermal performance of flat-shaped heat pipes using nanofluids

Analytical models are utilized to investigate the thermal performance of rectangular and disk-shaped heat pipes using nanofluids. The liquid pressure, liquid velocity profile, temperature distribution of the heat pipe wall, temperature gradient along the heat pipe, thermal resistance and maximum heat load are obtained for the flat-shaped heat pipes utilizing a nanofluid as the working fluid. The flat-shaped heat pipe's thermal performance using a nanofluid is substantially enhanced compared with one using a regular fluid. The nanoparticles presence within the working fluid results in a decrease in the thermal resistance and an increase in the maximum heat load capacity of the flat-shaped heat pipe. The existence of an optimum nanoparticle concentration level and wick thickness in maximizing the heat removal capability of the flat-shaped heat pipe was established. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.