INVESTIGATION OF THERMOSYPHON PERFORMANCE WITH CHANGING ADIABATIC SECTION GEOMETRY

In certain applications geometric constraints may make it impractical to use a straight thermosyphon. This paper aims to characterize the performance of a counter-flow thermosyphon with varying bend angles in the adiabatic section and a range of fluid loadings. The results of this study demonstrate that adequate levels of heat transfer can be achieved with bends in the adiabatic section connecting the evaporator and condenser sections. In general the effects of bend angle and fluid loading had relatively little effect on total thermal resistance. Individual evaporator and condenser resistances were also characterized and compared to predictions from existing boiling and condensation correlations. Finally, the failure limit of each thermosyphon was characterized. Failure limits were found to be dependent on fill volume and bend angle.