Review on loop heat pipe: An advancement in heat transfer technology

Loop Heat Pipes (LHPs) are highly efficient two-phase heat transfer cooling system devices extensively utilized in spacecraft. They operate passively and emerged as a significant advancement in spacecraft temperature control technology. It is mainly composed of evaporator, condenser, liquid, and vapor lines. The evaporator where the heat is applied employs a unique sponge-like material called a wick. The liquid from the wick is converted into vapor after absorbing the heat. This vapor is now transferred through the vapor line to the condenser, where the heat is released as it passes through sleek pipes and vapor is converted into liquid. The liquid again reaches the evaporator through liquid line and the cycle is repeated. The working fluid flow takes place with capillary action of wick. This article reviews the basic arrangement, development, and modelling details of LHP.