Week 10

          This final lab day was dedicated to group presentations. Each group presented their functional heat pipe as well as the results that they have acquired through testing. They explained the design and application of their heat pipe and stated the total cost to construct their heat pipe. The most important aspects of the final report were used to create the final presentation. This includes the cost, the results, and the heat pipe's application. 
          The total cost for the solar heat pipe that was constructed was $38.19. This price was a little over budget, which was $30.75. This is due to the fact that extra materials were bought in case of manufacturing error or if it is damaged during testing. The timeline that was set for the construction of the heat pipe was followed, with minor revisions due to new materials having to be bought in Week 6 because the materials bought during Week 5 were not effective. 
          A total of three trials were recorded and plotted on a graph, as shown in Figure 1. As seen, the temperature increased, but at different rates, depending on how much of the working fluid was in the heat pipe. Having 100 mL of water inside the pipe, indicated by the red hued lines, did not have a rapid increase of temperature, and therefore was deemed time inefficient. Having 50 mL of water, indicated by the blue hued lines, had a parabolic curve and displayed a cooling trend sooner. Having 66 mL of water in the pipe, indicated by the green-hued lines, had a consistent increase of temperature and was considered the best option as it reached a higher temperature than the other two trials and because the temperature increased consistently. 

Figure 1: Results

          As previously stated in prior blog posts, the heat pipe was designed to cool solar panels. If a solar panel gets too hot, it is not able to create electricity efficiently. By using a heat pipe, the solar panel could be cooled so that it could operate at its maximum potential. Three heat pipes will be used to fulfill this goal, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3. Heat travels from a location of high temperature to a location of low temperature, and so it is expected that the heat will travel from the far end of the solar panel to where the heat pipe is attached. The heat will be transferred into the surrounding environment through the condenser section of the pipe.

Figure 2: Back View of Solar Panel

Figure 3: Front View of Solar Panel

          
          The final presentation went well and the heat pipe worked as expected. It was a great experience to work with heat pipes and to gain experience in the chemical engineering field. Using this knowledge and experience, it is felt that any engineering problem can be tackled and accomplished.