Electrical force effect on a capillary loop two-phase thermosyphon

This paper shows a preliminary idea on the use of electrical field as circulation promoter in a single turned PHP. The main idea is using the already demonstrated capability of the electric force in redistributing the phases and changing flow pattern in two-phase flow. A preliminary experimental activity on a Single Turned Pulsating Heat Pipe (STPHP) with pipes of internal diameter 2 mm, using ethanol and water as working fluids, is shown. The STPHP has been operated changing the gravity action (i.e. the distance between evaporator and condenser). This activity has highlighted a low repeatability and a very unstable behaviour of these devices, observed with both fluids. The device evolves towards a steady state regime where the liquid is hold in the upper condenser section even before quasi-steady state regime are observed. The distance between condenser and evaporator does not improve this unstable behaviour. The asymmetrical action of the electrical field on the loop should promote the circulation and a stable behaviour.