Certified Energy Auditor Practice Exam

Heat recovery systems that utilize a liquid wick for heat exchange are known as:

1. Heat pumps

2. Heat exchangers

3. Heat pipes

4. Heat sinks

The correct answer is: Heat pipes

Heat recovery systems that utilize a liquid wick for heat exchange are specifically termed heat pipes. These devices are designed to transfer heat efficiently from one location to another by utilizing the principles of both evaporation and condensation. In a heat pipe, a working fluid is vaporized at one end through the heat input, which creates pressure that forces the vapor to move towards the cooler end of the pipe. As the vapor travels, it releases its heat and condenses back into a liquid state, which then returns to the hot end via a wick mechanism. This cycle allows for effective heat transfer with minimal temperature difference across the heat pipe. Understanding the design and function of heat pipes is crucial, especially in applications such as cooling systems, heat recovery, and thermal management in various industries. They provide high thermal conductivity and can transport heat over significant distances while maintaining effective energy efficiency, making them a preferred choice in many advanced energy solutions.