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Heat pipes lose heat transfer the longer they are in length (shorter heat pipes provide better overall thermal conductivity)
good for solar car application considering space constraints and need to minimize weight
The thicker the inner insulation is, the less the operating cost is. However, the initial cost of insulation increases with its relative thickness
Need to find a balance within insulation thickness that provides enough value and stays within budget
Heat Pipes conventionally use an evaporation and condensation end to convert liquid to vapor
the liquid (typically water) has to be maintained above freezing point and below vapor condensation point (important detail when considering application)
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Evaporation portion has to be at or above condenser area to work
Heat pipes have incredibly long lifespans (up to 20 years) when operating between limitation ranges
Types of Heat Pipes:
Constant Conductance heat pipes (CCHP): fixed thermal conductance between evaporator and condenser, most popular for cooling electronics
Variable conductance heat pipes (VCHP): minimize temperature swings and include a non-condensable gas
probably not ideal for our application
Thermosiphons: gravity aided heat pipes without a wick structure (except possibly near evaporator)
Loop Heat Pipes: used for long distances and are quite expensive
not applicable for us
Rotating Heat Pipes: used to remove heat from motors and have a groove wick similar to rifles
Oscillating Heat Pipes: function very well against gravity, strong for larger/longer areas
Heat Pipes in general are strong suited for situations with weight restrictions, limited airflow, and space constraints