A Ratchet for Closed Pipes: Asymmetric-Configuration Role on Unidirectional Circulatory Flows
Unidirectional pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) have been extensively investigated. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism is still lacking. In this study, we analyze the unidirectional flow (distinct from thermosyphon) in closed PHP loops and reveal that the combined effect of the diame...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/2/259 |
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| author | Lihang Bai Zhang Liu Yulong Ji Shuai Wang |
| author_facet | Lihang Bai Zhang Liu Yulong Ji Shuai Wang |
| author_sort | Lihang Bai |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Unidirectional pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) have been extensively investigated. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism is still lacking. In this study, we analyze the unidirectional flow (distinct from thermosyphon) in closed PHP loops and reveal that the combined effect of the diameter variation and pressure distribution leads to a stable circulatory flow. Analogous to the Carnot thermodynamic cycle, a flow dynamical cycle along the loop is proposed to determine the highest momentum increment rate at the limit of the pressures and tube cross-sections. Furthermore, an effective pressure cycle considering friction resistance is introduced to elucidate the balance between fluid momentum increase and decrease. Experiments with glass PHP tubes are conducted to visualize fluid movements and characterize unidirectional flow PHPs accurately. The results confirm that varying-diameter PHP significantly promotes the circulatory flow, highlighting its potential for PHP development. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d0880739c9364d5886562ee7968f364e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj-art-d0880739c9364d5886562ee7968f364e2025-01-24T13:30:49ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-01-0118225910.3390/en18020259A Ratchet for Closed Pipes: Asymmetric-Configuration Role on Unidirectional Circulatory FlowsLihang Bai0Zhang Liu1Yulong Ji2Shuai Wang3Marine Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaMarine Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaMarine Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaMarine Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaUnidirectional pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) have been extensively investigated. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism is still lacking. In this study, we analyze the unidirectional flow (distinct from thermosyphon) in closed PHP loops and reveal that the combined effect of the diameter variation and pressure distribution leads to a stable circulatory flow. Analogous to the Carnot thermodynamic cycle, a flow dynamical cycle along the loop is proposed to determine the highest momentum increment rate at the limit of the pressures and tube cross-sections. Furthermore, an effective pressure cycle considering friction resistance is introduced to elucidate the balance between fluid momentum increase and decrease. Experiments with glass PHP tubes are conducted to visualize fluid movements and characterize unidirectional flow PHPs accurately. The results confirm that varying-diameter PHP significantly promotes the circulatory flow, highlighting its potential for PHP development.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/2/259pulsating heat pipeunidirectional flowvarying-diameter tubeasymmetric configuration |
| spellingShingle | Lihang Bai Zhang Liu Yulong Ji Shuai Wang A Ratchet for Closed Pipes: Asymmetric-Configuration Role on Unidirectional Circulatory Flows Energies pulsating heat pipe unidirectional flow varying-diameter tube asymmetric configuration |
| title | A Ratchet for Closed Pipes: Asymmetric-Configuration Role on Unidirectional Circulatory Flows |
| title_full | A Ratchet for Closed Pipes: Asymmetric-Configuration Role on Unidirectional Circulatory Flows |
| title_fullStr | A Ratchet for Closed Pipes: Asymmetric-Configuration Role on Unidirectional Circulatory Flows |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Ratchet for Closed Pipes: Asymmetric-Configuration Role on Unidirectional Circulatory Flows |
| title_short | A Ratchet for Closed Pipes: Asymmetric-Configuration Role on Unidirectional Circulatory Flows |
| title_sort | ratchet for closed pipes asymmetric configuration role on unidirectional circulatory flows |
| topic | pulsating heat pipe unidirectional flow varying-diameter tube asymmetric configuration |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/2/259 |
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