A Study on Dynamic Characteristics of Self-Circulating Thermosyphon for Transport of Solar Thermal Energy

Abstract

The dynamic characteristics of a self-circulating thermosyphon (SCTS) for the purpose of utilizing solar thermal energy were investigated. This thermosyphon is operated by the steam generated when the working fluid is heated, so it does not have an external driving source. In this study, the dynamic characteristics of a SCTS during a cold start are investigated experimentally and by numerical simulation. As a result, it was found that a large flow fluctuation appeared in the initial stage of startup and its frequency increased as the temperature of the working fluid increased. These characteristics are considered to be affected by the boiling state in the heating section.