Investigation of Heat Pipes for Effective Thermoelectric Heat Pumping

The proposed research will examine the use of heat pipes for effective thermoelectric heat pumping. The research will develop a themodynamic computer model for heat and mass transfer analysis of revolving heat pipes and thermoelectric devices. The work will investigate a novel, domestic-sized, mechanical-ventilation, heat pump system, using thermoelectric modules and revolving devices which act as both heat pipes and air impellers. The dual function of the revolving devices minimises the number of components, and size of the system. Rotation of the devices enhances heat transfer, both within the heat pipes and externally between the air and the finning. Owing to their rotation, the accumulation of dirt on the pipe surfaces will be small and so reduce the need for cleaning. The research will investigate the use of different types of thermoelectric devices, including novel thin-film thermoelectric materials that can offer high performance heat pumping. Passing electricity across a thermoelectric device produces a temperature gradient. Heat can thus be pumped from one side to another making them essentially solid state heat pumps. The revolving heat pipes will be used to transfer heat to and from the hot and cold sides of the thermoelectric devices. Thermoelectric devices have the advantage of no noise or vibration as they have no mechanical moving parts. Furthermore, they are compact light weight, highly reliable and inexpensive. The system will also be environmentally-friendly as CFC refrigerants are not required.