Fraunhofer IPM | Fraunhofer ISE
At Fraunhofer ISE we develop innovative concepts and technologies for efficient heat exchangers.
Heat pipes are already a component of building technology in many places and are becoming increasingly important in the course of the energy transition. In buildings they can be used in many different ways:
- In evacuated tube collectors heat pipes enable efficient heat transport from the absorber to the collecting channel. If necessary, individual tubes can be easily replaced. At the same time, they can act as stagnation protection.
- In facade collectors heat pipes offer a high degree of design flexibility due to their modular construction. In addition, they allow separation of trades: a clear advantage in terms of installation and adhesion.
- Current research is also working on the use of heat pipes in ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Here, heat pipes can provide efficient heat recovery. This guarantees fresh air and saves energy.
- Heat pipes also help to shorten the response times of modern radiators. In addition, more uniform heating is guaranteed.
New method for heat pipe optimization and analysis
Numerous studies have shown that traditional characterization concepts fail when operating around the horizontal orientation, where gravity plays a minor role. This is due to the complex boundary operating behavior of the heat pipes. To solve this problem, Fraunhofer ISE has developed a new methodology of "temperature phenomenon maps". With its help, we can analyze and optimize heat pipes taking into account the application conditions for angle-flexible use. Our clients and partners benefit from our practice-oriented research approach, which is based on the simulation of real-life conditions.