Abstract: “In this research work a computational model for closed loop pulsating heat pipe (CLPHP) has been developed in order to study its two phase flow process and predict its thermal performance. The pulsating heat pipe of 1.3mm internal diameter in vertical bottom heat mode was simulated with unsteady model. Water was taken as working fluid. Volume of fluid model (VOF) in FLUENT was selected for multiphase modelling, also continuum surface force (CSF) model was considered for effects of surface tension. The simulation with unsteady model was successful in reproducing the two phase flow process in CLPHP and oscillation caused by the pressure difference along with the startup characteristics. During the working of CLPHP, lowest thermal resistance of 0.295 K/W was achieved. The simulation result obtained is consistent with the experimental results at the same condition.”

Keywords: Closed Loop Pulsating heat pipe, Computational modelling, bottom heat mode, unsteady model, two phase flow