Two-phase thermodynamic system having a porous microstructure sheet with varying surface energy to optimize utilization of a working fluid
US10935325B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 2019 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F2210/02
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vapor-chamber that includes a porous microstructure sheet with varying surface energy across different regions to optimize utilization of a working fluid. Modulating the surface energy of the porous microstructure sheet can minimize the amount of the working fluid that becomes trapped in the condenser region(s) and maximize an aggregate thin-film evaporation area of the working fluid in the evaporator region(s). The condenser region of the vapor-chamber is treated so that the internal surfaces have low surface energy. For example, the treatment may cause the condenser region to become hydrophobic to minimize the amount of fluid that becomes trapped in the condenser. The evaporator region is treated so that the internal surfaces have high surface energy. For example, the treatment may cause the evaporator region to become hydrophilic to induce the formation of large numbers of robust (e.g., dry-out resistant) thin-film evaporation sites.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.