Design and performance of a thermosiphon heat recovery system

The design and performance of a thermosiphon heat recovery system that recovers heat rejected from an air conditioner is described by presenting some experimental test data. This paper presents an experimental setup that was designed, developed, and constructed to help the undergraduate mechanical engineering students in understanding the basic heat transfer processes by utilizing real life applications such as using waste heat from a window type air conditioner to heat water for residential and commercial use. Heat recovery from an air conditioner by thermosiphon is attractive because it eliminates the need for a circulating pump. Results indicate that the design of the thermosiphon heat recovery system was a success.