Thermal performance analysis of a thermosiphon heat pipe working with an eco-friendly refrigerant in comparison to R134a

The need for developing better and more effective cooling systems have resulted in an increased focus on cooling approaches involving heat transfer devices like heat pipes. Finding the best working fluid to be filled at the correct quantity has proved to be a decisive factor which affects the working of these devices. In the current research, a thermosiphon heat pipe was experimented with refrigerants as working fluid. First, conventionally used refrigerant R134a was filled in the thermosiphon and experiments were carried out. As the current situation necessitates environmentally benign alternatives, refrigerant R600a which does not damage the ozone layer, was then filled and tested to check for possible increase in thermosiphons’ overall performance. Operating parameters like fill ratio of working fluids, inclination of heat pipe and input heat were from 10% to 40%, 0 to 90° and 20 W to 140 W respectively. According to the findings, 30% fill was found to be the best fill ratio as the thermosiphons’ resistance was lowest at this fill. In addition, heat transfer coefficients at the evaporator and condenser sections went up by 6% and 7% respectively at inclination of 45 degrees as R600a was filled.