Thermal performance of a heat pipe with nanoparticles coated wick

An experimental investigation is carried out to study the thermal performance of a heat pipe operated with nanoparticle coated wick. Screen type wicks (100 mesh/inch) with and without deposition of nanoparticles are used in this study. Copper particles with average particle size of 80-90 nm are coated over the surface of the screen mesh. A simple immersion technique followed by drying is used to coat the wick with nanoparticles. The performance of the heat pipe is investigated at three different heat inputs. The thermal resistance and heat transfer coefficient in the evaporator of the heat pipe operated with coated wick are lower and higher respectively than that of conventional one whereas the same are opposite in the condenser. The total resistance of heat pipe operated with coated wick is lower than that of conventional one and it decreases with increasing heat input. At the evaporator section, 40 percent thermal resistance reduction and 40 percent heat transfer coefficient enhancement are observed. It is also found that the decrement in total resistance is 19%, 15%, and 14% at 100,150 and 200 W respectively. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.