Investigation into the Use of R-1234ze Refrigerant in Laptop Heat Pipes

Abstract

Laptops, especially their processors and other electronic circuit elements, constantly generate heat in a limited space and can reach very high temperatures. These extreme temperatures and the heat generated by these temperatures can cause serious damage to the computer's electronic system. Therefore, it is very important to effectively transfer thermal energy to the environment and reduce system temperatures to safe operating levels to ensure the continued functionality of electronic systems and components. To achieve this, heat pipes are often preferred for cooling in computer systems. This study experimentally compared the usability and thermal performance of the new generation R-1234ze coolant instead of the existing water-methanol mixed liquid in the heat pipe of a Levona brand laptop. The experiments were conducted under idle, normal load (video viewing), and maximum load operating conditions. In each of these environments, temperature measurements were made from thermocouples placed at four different points on the heat pipe every 5 seconds for 20 minutes. The internal CPU temperature of the laptop and temperatures at four different points on the heat pipe were evaluated for both the water-methanol fluid and R-1234ze refrigerant. Experimental studies were carried out for water-methanol mixture fluid and R-1234ze, and the results were compared. Furthermore, a natural convection heat transfer analysis was performed, comparing the Nusselt number and heat transfer coefficient for both cases. In addition, natural convection heat transfer analysis was performed to compare the Nusselt number and heat transfer coefficient for both cases. The experimental results show that the R-1234ze coolant can be used effectively in notebook computer heat pipes and has very good thermal performance.