Life cycle assessment of wicked heat pipes with water as working fluid

In this study, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of wicked heat pipes (at a sample heat transfer capacity of 100 watts and water as the working fluid) was conducted to provide valuable insights into environmental and economic aspects of such passive heat transfer tool when used with different wall and wick materials. The assessment focuses on five most common heat pipe materials i.e. copper, nickel, steel, ceramic, and aluminum. The study evaluates the environmental footprint of these thermal management systems, considering factors such as CO₂ emissions, water consumption, transportation effects, and the porosity of the wick for making a WHP. For this purpose, a LCA analysis is conducted for five common materials used in heat pipes, including copper, nickel, steel, ceramic, and aluminum. The results of pollutant emissions indicate that the highest carbon dioxide emissions occur for the heat pipe made of nickel, with 507.6 kg of CO2 emissions, followed by aluminum at 102 kg. Ceramic demonstrates the lowest CO₂ emissions, making it the most ecologically sound choice. Additionally, the cost per unit of nickel is the highest at 16.1 USD, while ceramic is the most cost-effective at 3.15 USD. Therefore, ceramic could attract significant attention in the competitive market, especially with the new policies of different countries.