Phase change actuated valve for use in heat pipe applications
US10371459B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 2018 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D23/026
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A thermally actuated heat pipe control valve including a housing, a phase change material actuator, and a passage closing member. A passage extends through the housing and is configured to receive working fluid from the heat pipe therein. The phase change material actuator is positioned in the housing and has a sealed chamber with phase change material positioned therein. The passage closing member is positioned in the housing proximate to or in the passage and proximate to the phase change material actuator. The passage closing member has a surface which cooperates with a wall of the passage. As the temperature of the phase change material reaches a designed temperature, the phase change material melts and expands causing the passage closing member to move into the passage to a closed position, preventing heat transfer between the condenser portion and the evaporator portion when the designed temperature is reached or exceeded.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.