Evaporator and condenser section structure for thermosiphon

Abstract

A thermosiphon device includes a closed loop evaporator section having one or more evaporation channels that are fed by a liquid return path, and a condenser section with one or more condensing channels. The condenser section may include a vapor supply path that is adjacent one or more condensing channels, e.g., located between two sets of condensing channels. Evaporator and / or condenser sections may be made from a single, flat bent tube, which may be bent about an axis parallel to the plane of the flat tube to form a turnaround and / or twisted about an axis along a length of the tube at the tube ends. A single tube may form both evaporator and condenser sections of a thermosiphon device, and an axially extending wall inside the tube in the evaporator section may separate an evaporator section from a liquid return section.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 044,604, filed Sep. 2, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1) Field of Invention[0003]This invention relates generally to thermosiphon devices and other heat transfer devices that employ a two-phase fluid for cooling.[0004]2) Description of Related Art[0005]Thermosiphon devices are widely used for cooling systems, such as integrated circuits and other computer circuitry. For example, U.S. Patent Publication 2013 / 0104592 discloses a thermosiphon cooler used to cool electronic components located in a cabinet or other enclosure.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0006]In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a thermosiphon device may have a closed loop evaporator section combined with a counterflow type condenser section. Generally, thermosiphon devices are made such that both the evaporator and condenser sections...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a thermosiphon device that combines a closed loop evaporator section with a counterflow type condenser section. This combination provides improved thermal performance compared to standard counterflow devices, but with lower equipment costs and overall size. The evaporator section has a flat tube bent at the location where the liquid return outlet communicates with the evaporation channel inlet, which simplifies the connections between the sections. The closed loop condenser section has a liquid bypass or exit path for condensed liquid in the vapor supply path, which reduces the concern regarding condensate forming in the vapor supply path. The vapor supply path may be immediately adjacent the condensing channels, and a liquid bypass or other flow path may be provided to drain the condensate. The invention also includes a design with a plurality of condensing channels formed by first and second panels that sandwich a channel-defining member, which simplifies the design and eliminates the need for additional parts.

Problems solved by technology

Counterflow type devices tend to be less efficient than closed loop systems, but are suitable for certain applications and tend to be lower cost systems.

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