Parallel connected natural circulation loops using different working fluids: experimental results

Abstract

Abstract Natural Circulation Loops (NCLs) are closed-loop systems that transport heat from a source to a heat sink without a pump, relying on free convection of the working fluid. Previous research has focused on the stability and influence of different operative parameters on NCLs. This experimental study investigates the thermo-hydraulic performance of three parallel-connected NCLs with small inner diameters using three different working fluids: deionized water, glycol aqueous solution (50+50% wt), and FC-43 dielectric fluid. This study examines the steady-state behaviour of the NCLs at various heat sink temperatures and heat powers. The results indicate that the common one-dimensional model for a single loop’s steady-state can be applied to this configuration and for all the tested fluids, and a proposed figure of merit can describe the working fluids and predict their steady-state behaviour.