Thermal Analysis of Void Cavity for Heat Pipe Receiver under Microgravity

• Published in: Journal of thermal science Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 138 - 143
• Main Authors: Gui, Xiaohong, Song, Xiange, Nie, Baisheng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Science Press 01.04.2017; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Classical and Continuum Physics; Engineering Fluid Dynamics; Engineering Thermodynamics; Heat and Mass Transfer; Heat transfer; Metal foams; Phase distribution; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Thermal analysis; Wall temperature; 分布模型; 微重力条件; 热分析; 热管; 相变材料; 空泡; 美国航空航天局; 腔体; Heat Pipe Receiver; Phase Change; Void Cavity Distribution
• ISSN: 1003-2169; 1993-033X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11630-017-0922-y

Based on theoretical analysis of PCM（Phase Change Material） solidification process, the model of improved void cavity distribution tending to high temperature region is established. Numerical results are compared with NASA（National Aeronautics and Space Administration） results. Analysis results show that the outer wall temperature, the melting ratio of PCM and the temperature gradient of PCM canister, have great difference in different void cavity distribution. The form of void distribution has a great effect on the process of phase change. Based on simulation results under the model of improved void cavity distribution, phase change heat transfer process in thermal storage container is analyzed. The main goal of the improved designing for PCM canister is to take measures in reducing the concentration distribution of void cavity by adding some foam metal into phase change material.