Abstract: The variable conductance heat pipe(VCHP) is used to solve the problem of uncontrollable heat exchange of heat pipe for waste heat recovery of mine return air. Considering non-condensable gas (NCG) and the phase change heat transfer process in the heat pipe, the one-dimensional heat transfer analysis model of a single heat pipe was established, and the heat transfer analysis of the heat pipe was conducted. The results show that the heat transfer effect of the VCHP with NCG reservoir at steady temperature is mainly determined by the temperature of the heat source and the working temperature in the VCHP. The regulating temperature range of the VCHP on the mine return air increases with the increase of the temperature difference between the mine return air and the fresh air. The operating temperature in the VCHP is basically constant during the regulation stage.