Dynamics of a Closed-Loop Thermosyphon Incorporating Thermal Storage

Author

Kelly Homan, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Kyle S. Benne

Abstract

The coupling between a natural-convection thermosyphon loop and a thermal storage device is analyzed numerically for a charging process in which energy is added to the system at a fixed rate. Since energy accumulates in the storage component, the driving buoyant force is continually altered and the behavior is inherently transient. The undesirable consequence is a less than uniform charge of the storage volume. Relevant dimensionless parameters are identified which enable improvement in the shape of the charge profile. The results indicate that a more uniform charge profile is obtained by targeting the frictional losses to a flow regime most strongly proportional to flow rate and by decreasing the relative vertical height over which heat input occurs.

Recommended Citation

K. Homan and K. S. Benne, "Dynamics of a Closed-Loop Thermosyphon Incorporating Thermal Storage," Numerical Heat Transfer, Part A, Taylor & Francis, Jan 2008.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1080/10407780802084553

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Buoyancy; Capillary Flow; Electric Charge; Fluid Mechanics; Heat Storage; Lithium Batteries; Siphons; Storage (Materials)

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2008 Taylor & Francis, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2008