Minimal-temperature-differential, omni-directional-reflux, heat exchanger
US8042606B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F13/187
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A substrate formed of a suitable conductive-heat-transfer material is formed with small channels of a size selected to provide surface tension forces dominating a motion of a liquid-phase working fluid. A space above the channels of the substrate provides comparatively unobstructed space for the transport motion of a vapor phase of the working fluid effecting a heat-pipe effect in a multi-dimensional device. Channels may typically be formed in an orthogonal grid providing capillary return of liquids from a comparatively cooler condensation region to a comparatively warmer evaporation region, without any wicks other that the adhesion of the liquid phase working fluid to the vertices of the channels. Interference between the boundary layers of the liquid phase and the vapor phase of the working fluid are minimized by the depth of the channels, and the pedestals formed by the channel walls. Extremely small temperature differentials are thereby achieved between an outer surface of the substrate and an inner surface of the substrate when the liquid phase floods the substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.