Nucleation barrier effect on pulsating heat pipe performance
Résumé
Despite their utility, a comprehensive understanding of the internal flow and heat transfer mechanisms within Pulsating Heat Pipes (PHPs) remains challenging. With the objective of clarifying the role of internal tube surface state on PHP performance, this study aims to evaluate the influence of the nucleation barrier using CASCO (Code Avancé de Simulation du Caloduc Oscillant: Advanced PHP Simulation Code in French). Numerical findings show that the nucleation barrier has minimal influence on PHP thermal resistance at high heating powers, whereas at lower heating powers, an increase in the nucleation barrier results in decreased PHP thermal resistance. Experimental data from a horizontal 16-turn copper tube PHP prototype filled with HFE-7100 fluid are compared with simulation performed under zero-gravity conditions.