Synergistic thermo-electrical enhancement of heat dissipation in gravity heat pipes: Experimental optimization and performance analysis

Gravity heat pipes are efficient heat transfer devices widely used in waste heat management, yet their performance declines under windless or low-wind conditions, and waste heat from the condensation section remains underutilized. In response to growing emphasis on energy efficiency, this study integrates low-grade thermoelectric power generation with gravity heat pipes to convert residual heat into electricity for enhanced convective cooling, thereby mitigating heat accumulation and improving overall thermal performance. Experimental investigations were carried out to evaluate self-enhanced heat dissipation under various wind speeds, heat source distances, and five fin-to-tube area ratios. The aim was to determine the optimal fin ratio that maximizes the synergy between heat dissipation and power generation. Results indicate that a fin ratio of 60% provides the best compromise, achieving a heat dissipation capacity of 1472.9 W and a power output of 35.8 W. Predictive models for both heat dissipation and power generation were developed using Box-Behnken design and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal operating parameters were identified as a wind speed of 6 m/s, a heat source distance of 1 m, and a fin ratio of 60%.