Summary
- Nagoya University researchers develop loop heat pipe (LHP) that can transport up to 10 kW of heat without electricity
- The LHP surpasses previous models in size, heat transport capability, and heat transfer efficiency
- LHPs are used in various applications like EV thermal management, industrial waste heat recovery, and data center cooling
- The newly developed LHP demonstrates a record-breaking heat transfer efficiency without power
- The technology is expected to revolutionize energy conservation and carbon neutrality across multiple fields
Article
A team of researchers from Nagoya University in Japan has developed a loop heat pipe (LHP) that can transport up to 10 kW of heat without the need for electricity, making it the largest heat transport capability in the world. This improvement was achieved through enhancements in the evaporator structure, leading to a reduction in size, increase in heat transport capability, and improvement in heat transfer efficiency. LHPs have been used in various applications such as manned space flights, electric vehicles, meteorological satellites, and home electronic appliances.
The newly developed LHP aims to contribute to energy savings and carbon neutrality in various fields, including industrial waste heat recovery, solar heat utilization, electric vehicle thermal management, and data center cooling. This technology eliminates the need for electricity previously consumed by mechanical pumps, allowing for near-perpetual heat transport without electricity. The EV industry, in particular, can benefit from energy-efficient cooling methods like LHPs to improve overall efficiency without requiring additional electrical power.
The operation of an LHP involves a working fluid and a wick to transport heat efficiently over long distances. The vaporization and condensation processes within the LHP facilitate the heat transfer cycle. The group from Nagoya University improved the wick section of the LHP by making it thinner, longer, and wider while maintaining its high-quality porous properties. They also narrowed the channels for vapor escape from the evaporator and added extra channels on the sides to enhance heat transport capabilities.
During testing, the newly developed LHP exhibited a heat transfer efficiency of more than four times that of existing LHPs, setting a record for non-power heat transport. It was able to transport waste heat over a distance of 2.5 meters without power, using capillary force generated by the wick. This breakthrough technology is expected to revolutionize energy conservation and carbon neutrality in various applications, including factory waste heat recovery, solar heat utilization, electric vehicle heat management, and data center cooling.
The findings of this study were detailed in the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, signaling the potential impact of this technology in improving energy efficiency and sustainability across different industries. The researchers involved in the project, including Professor Hosei Nagano and graduate student Shawn Somers-Neal, highlighted the significance of this pioneering LHP technology in achieving sustainable energy solutions. The group’s efforts to enhance the heat transport capabilities of the LHP demonstrate a promising step towards advancing energy conservation and carbon neutrality initiatives worldwide.
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