Passive Thermal Management System

Abstract

A traditional passive thermal management system can only be used effectively in a single orientation because it relies on the buoyancy of the heated air to create natural convection. A passive thermal management system is provided which includes means for transferring heat away from a heat source (10) in any orientation. The system comprises a heat pipe (14) which is thermally coupled to the heat source (10). The heat pipe (14) is capable of transferring heat away from the heat source (10), wherein this heat is transferred along the length of the heat pipe (14). Thermally coupled to the heat pipe (14) is a fin system (12), which provides a means for extraction of the heat from the heat pipe (14) and transfer of this heat to the environment thereby dissipating the heat generated at the heat source (10). The fin system (12) is configured to provide a desired level of heat transfer to the environment independent of the orientation of the thermal management system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention pertains to thermal management and in particular to a passive thermal management system.BACKGROUND[0002]Typical thermal management devices, especially those designed to incorporate heat pipes, are designed for one orientation to ensure proper airflow for efficient performance of the device. For example, heat sinks can be used to extract heat from a heat source and are designed based on the proximate airflow conditions and can vary greatly in shape and construction. For applications that allow the inclusion of a fan, the design of a heat sink can provide tightly spaced fins to reduce size, while enabling air to pass freely. If the fan malfunctions, for example, air movement will likely be limited due to the spacing constraints, thus rendering the heat sink substantially ineffective. Passive thermal management devices rely on buoyancy driven flow, or natural convection. Essentially, the air is heated by the heat sink, resulting in a re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]An object of the present invention is to provide a passive thermal management system. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a passive thermal management system for dissipating heat generated by a heat source, the thermal management system comprising: one or more heat pipes each having a length, each heat pipe thermally connected to the heat s

Problems solved by technology

If the fan malfunctions, for example, air movement will likely be limited due to the spacing constraints, thus rendering the heat sink substantially ineffective.

This type of system typically requires larger spaces between fins associated with the heat sink, and the orientation and shape of those fins can be critical.

If the fins are oriented perpendicular to the gravitational vector, the lower density air will rise, however the flow of the air will typically not pass over the surface of the fins, and therefore will likely not improve the heat transfer coefficient.

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