Evaluation of using different metals and working fluids on the thermal performance of nano heat pipes

Abstract

The precise and effective management of heat produced by micro-scale devices, such as electronic processors, is of utmost importance. Heat pipes (HPs) are among the instruments utilized for this objective. The incorporation of nanofluids can significantly improve the thermal performance of HPs at smaller scales. This study examines the impact of spherical nanoparticles on the working fluid of a micro flat-plate HP. A variety of metals and working fluids were utilized, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed. The findings indicate that, for any specified nanoparticle volume fraction (φ), the highest and lowest evaporation rates correspond to EtOH and H2O, respectively. Platinum (Pt) and aluminum (Al) exhibit the lowest and highest evaporation rates, respectively. In general, an increase in φ leads to enhancements in both mass transfer and heat flux. The maximum condensation rate (79%) is achieved with Cu-EtOH at φ = 1.05, while the minimum (65%) is observed with Pt-H2O at φ = 0.35. The highest mass transfer rate (40%) is recorded for AlAr at φ = 1.05, whereas the lowest (26%) is noted for Pt-H2O at φ = 0.35. The minimum heat flux (1613 W/cm2) is associated with Pt-EtOH, while the maximum (2092 W/cm2) is linked to Cu-H2O. The body material and the working fluid play a crucial role in determining the heat flux within the HP.