Performance Enhancement of a Monogroove Heat Pipe With Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pumping

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pump is a new concept which has been recently explored. Net pumping is achieved by properly utilizing the heterocharge layers present in the vicinity of the electrodes. This paper presents an innovative electrode design which provides pressure head on the order of 600 Pa per an electrode pair operated at 20 kV with less than 0.08 W of electric power. An EHD conduction pump consisting of six pairs was designed and installed in the liquid passage of a monogroove heat pipe. The EHD conduction pump drastically increased the heat transport capacity of the heat pipe. Furthermore, the EHD conduction pump provided immediate recovery from the dryout condition.Copyright © 2002 by ASME