Phase change actuated valve for use in heat pipe applications
US10215501B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D23/026
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A thermally actuated heat pipe control valve which includes a housing having a first opening for receiving a condenser portion of a heat pipe therein, a second opening for receiving an evaporator portion of the heat pipe therein and a passage extending through the housing from the first opening to the second opening. The passage is configured to receive working fluid from the heat pipe therein. A passage closing member is positioned in the housing proximate to or in the passage. The passage closing member having a surface which cooperates with a wall of the passage. At a specific temperature, the passage closing member moves into the passage to a closed position, preventing the flow of the working fluid, thereby preventing heat transfer between the condenser portion and the evaporator portion when the design temperature is reached or exceeded.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.