Experimental characterization of an n-pentane oscillating heat pipe for waste heat recovery in ventilation systems

Abstract

A tubular oscillating heat pipe (OHP), with long form factor and 1 × 0.5 m2 footprint, was experimentally characterized for passive waste heat recovery via air-to-air heat exchange in a typical Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) ducting system. Experiments were designed to demonstrate the OHP's ability to utilize otherwise wasted thermal energy to pre-heat or pre-cool air for reducing building energy consumption. Results indicate that the OHP is fully-capable of operating while possessing a relatively long form factor (>1 m) and as a forced convection, air-to-air heat exchanger for waste heat recovery in HVAC systems.