Losses in fountain-effect pumps

Abstract

Three loss mechanisms in fountain-effect pumps are identified and analyzed. Two of these mechanisms reduce the mechano-caloric effect, by reducing the mass transferred per unit heat input. The first loss mechanism of these losses is the result of normal fluid leakage through the pump. The second loss mechanism is the result of the finite separation between the porous plug and the heater. The third loss mechanism reduces the thermomechanical effect. It results from the Gorter-Mellink interaction within the porous plug. All three of these loss mechanisms are shown to reduce pump efficiency. They are then applied to an example to illustrate the relative significance of the three mechanisms.