Device for Passive Downward Heat Transport: Design Criteria and Operational Results

ABSTRACT A semi-continuous device for passive downward heat transport has been designed, built and operated. Heat is transported as latent heat of vaporization as in a heat pipe; the return of the liquid is obtained through the action of an energy accumulator containing an inert gas and charged by the vapour itself during the transport of heat. The capability of winning the difference in level is exchanged with a difference of a few degrees centigrade between evaporator and condenser. The laboratory device worked with a difference in level of 1. 7 m. Working under pressure, differences in level of 10 meters and more can be attained. A typical application can be the storage of heat available from solar collectors.