Modelling and simulation of solar dynamic system cell heat pipe receiver

Cell heat pipe receiver of solar dynamic system was numerically simulated. Accordingly, mathematical model was set up, numerical calculation method was offered, fluid dynamics software named Fluent 6.1 was used to simulate, and calculation results were compared with those of experimental results and basis heat receiver. Simulation results show that heat pipe receiver owns the performance of perfect heat transfer and ideal identical temperature, the axial temperature difference of heat pipe is little, phase change material (PCM) canisters situated in different places of heat pipe can melt simultaneously and uniformly. And heat pipe receiver lightens system mass, improves heat efficiency of system. At the same time, normal operation of wick ensures circumference temperature uniformity of heat pipe, thus heat pipe receiver avoids heat spot. In addition, heat pipe receiver has axial and radial performance of ideal identical temperature. All PCM canisters can freeze simultaneously at the end of eclipse, and freeze fully at last, so heat pipe receiver avoids heat ratcheting.