Simulation and analysis of natural ice-making based on gravity heat pipes

The emerging natural ice-making technology has garnered significant attention due to its potential to utilise natural cold sources for reducing mine temperatures. This paper suggests employing gravity-based heat pipe cooling technology and employs FLUENT to simulate the heat transfer process in heat pipes and the natural ice-making phenomenon. Research findings reveal that the devised single-tube ice-making model operates without extra energy consumption and effectively produces ice by relying solely on the temperature variance between the water and its surrounding environment. At three varying temperatures (262.15 K, 266.15 K, 270.15 K), the rate and thickness of ice formation increase inversely proportional to the temperature decline, indicating a negative correlation. Moreover, with higher inlet wind speeds (4 m/s, 7 m/s, 10 m/s), the rate and thickness of ice formation increase, showcasing a positive correlation. Finally, the heat pipe structure equipped with fins in the condensation section can partially expedite the ice formation rate and augment the ice thickness. These research findings are of substantial significance in mitigating high-temperature heat hazards in mining environments.