Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Temperature Distribution and Flow Characterization in a New Loop Heat Pipe Model

Authors

  • Muhammad Mika Ramadhani Restiawan Department of Mechanical Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Sudharto, S.H., Tembalang-Semarang 50275, Indonesia
  • Mukhsinun Hadi Kusuma Research Centre for Nuclear Reactor Technology, Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, National Research and Innovation Agency, Building No. 80 BJ Habibie Science and Technology Area, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia
  • Khoiri Rozi Department of Mechanical Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Sudharto, S.H., Tembalang-Semarang 50275, Indonesia
  • Berkah Fajar Tamtomo Kiono Department of Mechanical Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Sudharto, S.H., Tembalang-Semarang 50275, Indonesia
  • Muhammad Yunus Research Centre for Nuclear Reactor Technology, Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, National Research and Innovation Agency, Building No. 80 BJ Habibie Science and Technology Area, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia
  • Alif Rahman Wirza Department of Mechanical Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Sudharto, S.H., Tembalang-Semarang 50275, Indonesia
  • Yoyok Dwi Setyo Pambudi Research Centre for Nuclear Reactor Technology, Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, National Research and Innovation Agency, Building No. 80 BJ Habibie Science and Technology Area, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia
  • Sofia Loren Butarbutar Research Centre for Nuclear Reactor Technology, Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, National Research and Innovation Agency, Building No. 80 BJ Habibie Science and Technology Area, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia
  • Giarno Research Centre for Nuclear Reactor Technology, Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, National Research and Innovation Agency, Building No. 80 BJ Habibie Science and Technology Area, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia
  • Sumantri Hatmoko Research Centre for Nuclear Reactor Technology, Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, National Research and Innovation Agency, Building No. 80 BJ Habibie Science and Technology Area, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia

Keywords:

Temperature distribution, Flow characterization, Computational fluid dynamic, Loop heat pipe, Passive cooling system

Abstract

The loop heat pipe (LHP) is being considered for passive cooling systems in nuclear installations. A combined approach of simulation and experimentation is essential to achieve comprehensive knowledge of LHP performance. Research on LHP using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is necessary to understand phenomena that are difficult to observe experimentally. This study examines the temperature distribution and flow characteristics in a new LHP model. The method used in this research is numerical simulation using CFD with ANSYS FLUENT software. In the simulation, the LHP has an inner diameter of 0.1016 m. The LHP features a wick made from a bundle of capillary pipes without a compensation chamber. Demineralized water is used as the working fluid with a filling ratio of 100% of the evaporator volume. The hot water temperature in the evaporator section is set at 70 °C, 80 °C, and 90 °C. The temperature on the outer surface of the condenser pipe is determined using experimental temperature inputs. An inclination angle of 5° and an initial pressure of 12,100 Pa are applied to the LHP. The CFD simulation results show that the temperature distribution profile under steady-state conditions in the loop heat pipe is relatively uniform. The temperature difference between the evaporator and condenser remains consistent. The working fluid flow in the LHP is driven by buoyancy forces, allowing the fluid to circulate in two phases from the evaporator to the condenser, while the condensate returns from the condenser to the evaporator. In conclusion, the temperature distribution and flow patterns in the LHP are consistent with common phenomena observed in heat pipes. This modeling approach can be used to determine the temperature distribution and flow profiles in LHP systems with similar dimensions under various thermal conditions.

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Published

2026-03-05

How to Cite

Restiawan, M. M. R., Kusuma, M. H., Rozi, K., Kiono, B. F. T., Yunus, M., Wirza, A. R., … Hatmoko, S. (2026). Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Temperature Distribution and Flow Characterization in a New Loop Heat Pipe Model. Jurnal Teknologi Reaktor Nuklir Tri Dasa Mega, 26(2), 69–76. Retrieved from https://ejournal.brin.go.id/tridam/article/view/15522

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 2 (2024): June 2024

Section

Articles