Thermophysical Properties of a Cryogenic Pulsating Heat Pipe

1
Dan Potratz
M.S. Student Mechanical Engineering Email
dcpotratz_at_wisc.edu 1335 ERB Hometown Oshkosh,
WI Thesis Experimental Investigation and
Confirmation of a Helium Thermosiphon
2
Experimental Investigation and Confirmation of
the Predicted Performance of a Helium Thermosiphon

• Background
• The Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National
  Lab is developing a superconducting undulator
  insertion device to supply higher intensity
  x-rays for its users.
• The design is predicated on a closed cryogenic
  platform to enable continuous operation with a
  minimal footprint.
• To operate as a superconductor, the NbTi wire
  used to produce the magnetic fields is cooled
  with liquid helium.
• The magnet structures are to be cooled with a
  helium thermosiphon passing through the cores. A
  large portion of the thermosiphon loop and the
  heat load occurs horizontally.
• The heat load available to induce the flow must
  be kept below 1.5 W, which is the capacity of
  the cryocooler available for recondensing.

3
Experimental Set-Up
4
Key Areas of Interest

• Determine the heat load effect on mass flow rate
• Previous studies have focused on forced flow
  systems
• Establish the conditions at which vapor lock can
  occur
• Demonstrate the principles used in the cooling
  system design as capable for the desired
  performance

Proposed Superconducting Undulator Insertion
Device Design Y. Ivanyushenkov, SCU0 Conceptual
Design Review, February 5, 2010