R. Senthilkumar*, S. Vaidyanathan, B. Sivaraman
The Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, vol. 25, no. 4, pp.923-929, 2011

Abstract : The orientation of the heat pipe plays the significant role in its performance. In specific orientations, the performance of the heat pipe is directly related to the wick structure. In conventional heat pipe, the working fluid is used a negative surface-tension gradient with temperature. It is an unfavorable one and it decreases the heat transport between the evaporator section and the condenser section. An Aqueous solution of n-Pentanol having a positive surface tension gradient with temperature is suggested as a working medium for heat pipe to improve the performance of capillary limit and operating stability. The objective of this paper is to perform a comparative study of heat pipe performance using the aqueous solution of n-Pentanol with water at various inclinations. The results are presented to demonstrate the merits and suitability of the aqueous solution of n-Pentanol as a working fluid for heat pipe.

Keyword : Aqueous solution of n-Pentanol; Heat pipe; Inclination angle; Positive surface tension; Wrapped screen