Flat-plate heat pipe

US4046190A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Bruce D. Marcus · Los Angeles, US
• George L. Fleischman · Inglewood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 22, 1975
• Grant date: Sep 6, 1977
• Expiry date: May 22, 1995

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F28D15/0233
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Flat-plate (vapor chamber) heat pipes are made by enclosing metal wicking between two capillary grooved flat panels. These heat pipes provide a unique configuration and have good capacity and conductance capabilities in zero gravity. When these flat-plate vapor chamber heat pipes are heated or cooled, the surfaces are essentially isothermal, varying only 3.degree. to 5.degree. C over the panel surface.