Closed loop feedback control variable conductance heat pipe
US5289869A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1992 |
| Grant date | Mar 1, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L2924/0002
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A variable conductance heat pipe includes an electronic component mounting plate serving as the evaporator of the heat pipe. The evaporator is connected to an air cooled condenser which condenses vapor flowing from the evaporator. The evaporator has a sump located at the lowest gravity point of the evaporator passage. By either vaporizing or pumping liquid from the sump and passing it back through the heat pipe a continuing wetted condition exists in the heat pipe which can accommodate heat dissipation transients by the electronic components. A control loop is closed through the heat pipe for controlling the penetration of an inert gas into the heat pipe condenser to maintain a constant temperature for the electronic components mounted thereto.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.