Thermal energy transfer device
US7832462B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28D15/046
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Device having first wick evaporator including first membrane and plurality of first thermally-conductive supports. First membrane has upper and lower surfaces. First membrane also has plurality of pores with upper pore ends at upper surface of first membrane and with lower pore ends at lower surface of first membrane. Each of first thermally-conductive supports has upper and lower support ends. Upper support ends of first thermally-conductive supports are in contact with first membrane. Each of first thermally-conductive supports has longitudinal axis extending between the upper and lower support ends, average cross-sectional area along axis, and membrane support cross-sectional area at upper support end, the membrane support cross-sectional area effectively being smaller than average cross-sectional area. First thermally-conductive supports are configured to conduct thermal energy from lower support ends of first thermally-conductive supports to first membrane. Process includes providing wick evaporator, providing liquid working fluid in contact with lower or upper surface of membrane, and causing liquid working fluid to be evaporated from liquid-vapor interface in membrane.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.