Variable conductance heat pipe enhancement
US5044426A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 1990 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28D15/06
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A heat pipe having an internal cross-sectional area contains a fixed restriction member with a reduced cross-sectional area, positioned in the condenser length of the heat pipe. An evaporatable and condensable fluid partially fills the heat pipe with the remaining volume being occupied by a noncondensable gas which is positioned at least partly around the restriction member. By reducing the internal cross-section area of the heat pipe using the restriction member, the overall length of a practical working heat pipe can be reduced. The cross-sectional area of the restriction member can also be varied for changing the heat exchange characteristics of the heat pipe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.