Analytical effective length study of a flat plate heat pipe using point source approach

An analytical approach is presented to evaluate the effective heat transport length of a flat plate heat pipe with multiple heat sources. In this study, point sources are modeled as the heat input to the heat pipe. The analysis is carried out by a proportioning concept of the heat pipe with reference to the heat source’s position and evaluates the respective heat transport paths. Minimum effective length is obtainable at the optimum heat source positions where the heat pipe pipe’s capillary heat transport limit is the highest and its operational performance is the best. Hence, it is useful in thermal management of electronic systems as this approach helps to determine the optimum heat source positions on the heat pipe that allows the cooling of electronic components or system more effectively and efficiently.