Study of the heat transfer efficiency of a wick heat pipe with induction heating of the core made of magnetic stainless steel

The results of mathematical modelling of a heat pipe with induction heating of the core, designed for efficient transfer of low-temperature heat flow to the working fluid in conditions of limited dimensions, are presented. The design includes a thin-walled copper casing, a porous wick structure made of non-magnetic stainless steel mesh, and a magnetic stainless steel core heated by a cylindrical induction coil placed on the casing above the core. Based on physical models of heat transfer, a mathematical description of the processes has been developed that takes into account induction heat generation, the heat capacity of the tube components, and heat losses due to free convection. The dependence of the heating dynamics and thermal efficiency on the angle of inclination of the heat pipe relative to the vertical has been established. The results of the calculations showed that maximum efficiency is achieved in a vertical position, and with an increase in the angle of inclination above 60°, there is an increase in gravitational resistance to fluid motion, which leads to a gradual decrease in heat transfer. It has been shown that at inclinations up to 80°, the performance of the structure is maintained, but to ensure stable operation at even greater angles, additional measures are necessary: reducing the radius of the pores of the wick structure to increase capillary pressure, increasing the thickness or number of mesh layers, and selecting working fluids with more favourable wetting properties.