Development of variable conductance heat pipe at ISAC

A detailed study has been carried out on the performance of gas loaded nonwicked hot reservoir variable conductance heat pipes employing S.S.-Acetone-Nitrogen as envelope material, working fluid, and noncondensible gas (NCG) respectively. Effect of NCG reservoir to condenser volume ratio and NCG charge quantity on the temperature controllability and sensitivity to operating temperature level is investigated. Results indicate that the temperature controllability in the investigated range varies from about 0.56 C/W to 0.15 C/Watt depending upon NCG reservoir to condenser volume ratio and the NCG charge. It is shown that with the marginal increase in operating temperature level the temperature controllability can be improved with increase in gas charge.