Space branch channel heat pipe suitable for multi-heat source uniform temperature

Abstract

The application provides a spaceflight branch channel heat pipe suitable for multi-heat-source temperature equalization, which comprises a shell, a channel and a supporting column, the shell comprises a connecting section and branch sections, the branch sections are communicated with the connecting section respectively, and the connecting section and the branch sections are connected with different heat sources respectively; the channel is arranged on the inner side wall of the shell, the channel comprises a side channel, a top channel and a bottom channel, the side channel is arranged along the side profile line of the shell, a communication loop communicating all the branch sections is formed, and any branch section is communicated with the connecting section through the top channel and the bottom channel. The working medium transport channel among the multi-heat-sources is established through the annular through channel in the inner wall of the heat pipe, the efficient heat transfer among the multiple branches of the heat pipe can be realized, the temperature equalization of the multi-heat-sources is realized, each heat source is connected through the independent branch, the temperature equalization speed is fast, the temperature difference of the temperature equalization is small, the structure is compact, the weight is light, and the temperature equalization of the multiple heat sources in a small space can be realized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of spaceflight thermal control technology, in particular to a spaceflight branch channel heat pipe suitable for multi-heat source temperature equalization. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the miniaturization and integration of spacecraft, the distribution of heat sources in the spacecraft becomes more and more complex, and how to achieve temperature equalization of complexly distributed heat sources in a small space has become a problem of spacecraft thermal control.

[0003] A heat pipe is a kind of high-efficiency passive thermal control product that uses phase change of working medium to achieve heat transfer, and has the advantages of high heat transfer efficiency, large heat transfer power, compact structure, etc., and is widely used on spacecraft. At present, the research on temperature equalization of multi-heat sources of spacecraft mainly focuses on multi-evaporator loop heat pipes and temperature equalization plates, however, the multi-evaporator loop heat pipe has many components and a complex structure; the temperature equalization plate has a large installation space requirement and a large weight.

[0004] The existing Chinese patent with the publication number CN103344144A discloses a composite channel heat pipe, which belongs to the technical field of heat pipes. The heat pipe comprises an evaporation section, an adiabatic section and a condensation section, wherein the evaporation section, the adiabatic section and the condensation section are all circular tubes, and the three are coaxial with equal diameters. The capillary core structure is a composite channel. The composite channel is connected by a slit from a V-shaped groove and a circular groove.

[0005] Due to the limitation of bending radius and manufacturing process, the traditional channel heat pipe cannot simultaneously equalize the temperature of multiple complexly distributed heat sources, and cannot be installed in a complex small space, so there is an urgent need to develop a new type of channel heat pipe that can equalize the temperature of multiple heat sources in a limited space. SUMMARY

[0006] In view of the defects in the prior art, the purpose of the present application is to provide a spaceflight branch channel heat pipe suitable for multi-heat source temperature equalization.

[0007] According to the spaceflight branch channel heat pipe suitable for multi-heat source temperature equalization provided by the present application, the heat pipe comprises a shell, a channel and a support column, the inside of the shell is formed with a hollow cavity, the inside of the hollow cavity is filled with gaseous working medium, the shell comprises a connecting section and branch sections, a plurality of branch sections are in communication with the connecting section, the connecting section and the plurality of branch sections are connected with different heat sources, respectively, a plurality of support columns are arranged in the connecting section, the inside of the support column is provided with a mounting hole in communication with the outside, and the heat pipe is fastened with the heat source through the mounting hole.

[0008] The groove is arranged on the inner side wall of the shell, the groove is filled with liquid working medium, the groove comprises a side groove, a top groove and a bottom groove, the side groove is arranged along the side profile of the shell, and a communication loop is formed and communicated with all branch sections, and any branch section is communicated with the connecting section through the top groove and the bottom groove.

[0009] Preferably, the cross section of the groove is in the shape of omega, the top is a narrow slit for absorbing condensed liquid working medium into the bottom of the groove by capillary force, the width of the narrow slit is 0.2-0.4mm, the depth is 0.5-0.7mm, the bottom of the groove is a cylindrical cavity, and the diameter of the cylindrical cavity is 0.8-1.2mm.

[0010] Preferably, the groove comprises parallel grooves, and the distance between two adjacent grooves is 1.2-1.6mm.

[0011] Preferably, the liquid working medium in the groove comprises ammonia.

[0012] Preferably, the upper and lower surfaces of the shell are both flat, and the flatness is better than 0.1mm in 100mm*100mm.

[0013] Preferably, the support column is in the shape of a cylinder, and the diameter is 9-11mm.

[0014] Preferably, the bending radius of the branch section is less than 5 times the side length of the outer profile of the cross section of the branch section.

[0015] Preferably, the number of the branch sections matches the number of the heat sources, the direction of the branch sections can be adjusted according to the distribution of the heat sources and the installation space, and the size of the branch sections can be adjusted according to the power of the heat sources.

[0016] Preferably, the heat pipe is made of metal by additive manufacturing method, and the filling of the working medium is sealed by welding method after completion.

[0017] Preferably, the heat pipe and the heat source are fastened and connected through the cooperation of the screw and the mounting hole, and the mounting surface of the heat pipe is coated with thermal conductive silicone rubber before installation.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the application has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] The application connects multiple heat sources through the branches of the groove heat pipe, establishes the working medium transport channel among the multiple heat sources through the annular groove on the inner wall of the heat pipe, realizes efficient heat transfer among the multiple branches of the heat pipe, and realizes the uniform temperature of the multiple heat sources; each heat source is connected through an independent branch, so the uniform temperature speed is fast, and the uniform temperature temperature difference is small; the application overcomes the shortcomings of large installation space and large weight of the traditional uniform temperature plate, has compact structure and light weight, and can realize the uniform temperature of multiple heat sources in a small space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Other features, objects, and advantages of the application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0021] Fig. 1 A schematic view of the present application mainly embodies a spaceflight branch channel heat pipe suitable for multi-heat source temperature equalization;

[0022] Fig. 2 A sectional view of the present application mainly embodies a spaceflight branch channel heat pipe suitable for multi-heat source temperature equalization;

[0023] Fig. 3 A sectional view of the present application mainly embodies a channel.

[0024] Shown in the figure:

[0025] Connecting section 1 Branch section 2 Shell 3

[0026] Channel 4 Support column 5 Mounting hole 6

[0027] Side channel 7 Top channel 8 Bottom channel 9 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments. The following embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present application, but do not limit the present application in any form. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present application. These are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0029] As Figs. 1-3 shown, according to the spaceflight branch channel heat pipe suitable for multi-heat source temperature equalization provided by the present application, the heat pipe comprises a shell 3, a channel 4, and a support column 5, the shell 3 forms a hollow cavity inside, the hollow cavity is filled with gaseous working medium, the shell 3 comprises a connecting section 1 and a branch section 2, a plurality of branch sections 2 are respectively communicated with the connecting section 1, the connecting section 1 and the plurality of branch sections 2 are respectively connected with different heat sources, a plurality of support columns 5 are arranged inside the connecting section 1, mounting holes 6 communicating with the outside are formed in the support columns 5, and the heat pipe is fastened and connected with the heat source through the mounting holes 6; the channel 4 is arranged on the inner side wall of the shell 3, the channel 4 is filled with liquid working medium, the channel 4 comprises a side channel 7, a top channel 8, and a bottom channel 9, the side channel 7 is arranged along the side contour line of the shell 3, forms a communication loop communicating with all branch sections 2, and any branch section 2 is communicated with the connecting section 1 through the top channel 8 and the bottom channel 9.

[0030] The shell 3 contains multiple branch sections 2 to connect multiple heat sources; the channels 4 are located on the side wall, top surface and bottom surface of the shell 3; the channels 4 are annular on the side wall, and the liquid suction return channel between branches is established through the channels 4 to realize the temperature equalization or heat dissipation of multiple heat sources; the support column 5 is located on the connecting section 1 of the heat pipe to ensure the structural strength of the heat pipe, and the mounting hole 6 is located at the center of the support column 5 for the installation and fixation of the heat source and the heat pipe.

[0031] The cross section of the groove of the channel 4 is Ω-shaped, the top is a narrow slit for sucking the condensed liquid working medium into the bottom of the groove by capillary force, in order to ensure that the channel has sufficient liquid suction capacity, the narrow slit should have smaller width and larger depth, the width of the narrow slit is 0.2-0.4mm, and the depth is 0.5-0.7mm, the bottom of the groove is a cylindrical cavity for storing liquid working medium and delivering the working medium to the evaporation section, in order to ensure that the channel has sufficient liquid delivery capacity, the cylindrical cavity should have larger diameter, the diameter of the cylindrical cavity is 0.8-1.2mm.

[0032] The groove of the channel 4 is preferably a parallel groove, and the distance between two adjacent grooves is 1.2-1.6mm. The liquid working medium in the channel 4 includes ammonia.

[0033] The upper and lower surfaces of the shell 3 are both flat, and the flatness is better than 100mm×100mm:0.1mm, for installing the heat source requiring temperature equalization and reducing the contact thermal resistance.

[0034] The support column 5 is cylindrical and located in the connecting section 1 for increasing the structural strength of the space branch groove heat pipe, for ensuring the safety when the heat pipe is in high temperature working condition, and the diameter is 9-11mm. The mounting hole 6 is located at the center of the support column 5, and screws can be installed to facilitate the installation and fixation between the heat pipe and the heat source.

[0035] The bending radius of the branch section 2 can be less than 5 times the characteristic size, that is, the side length of the outer contour of the cross section of the branch section 2.

[0036] The number of branch sections 2 matches the number of heat sources, and the direction of the branch section 2 can be adjusted according to the distribution of the heat source and the installation space, and the size can be adjusted according to the power of the heat source.

[0037] The heat pipe is made of metal additive manufacturing method, and the welding method is used to seal after the working medium is filled. The heat pipe and the heat source are fastened and connected through the cooperation of screws and mounting holes 6, and the mounting surface of the heat pipe is coated with thermal conductive silicone rubber before installation.

[0038] The application is a channel heat pipe with multiple branch sections 2. The heat transfer channels between any heat sources can be established by connecting the branch sections 2, and the uniform temperature of the distributed heat sources can be achieved. The channel 4 forms a connected loop along the side profile of the heat pipe. The liquid working medium circulates in the loop of the side channel 7. The connection of the annular channel of the side wall establishes the working medium suction return channel between the branch sections and the branch sections, and the heat transfer between the branch sections and the branch sections is achieved. The connection of the top channel 8 and the bottom channel 9 establishes the working medium suction return channel between the branch sections and the connecting sections, and the heat transfer between the branch sections and the connecting sections is achieved.

[0039] The application is further described by the following data.

[0040] The branch section 2 includes three branches, and together with the connecting section 1, it can simultaneously uniform or dissipate heat for four heat sources. The slit width of the channel 4 is preferably 0.3mm, the channel depth is preferably 0.6mm, and the diameter of the cylindrical cavity at the bottom of the channel is preferably 1.0mm. The diameter of the support column 5 is preferably 10mm, and the diameter of the mounting hole 6 is preferably 4.3mm for mounting M4 screws. The side channel 7 forms an annular loop along the side profile of the heat pipe to connect the branch sections 2 and the branch sections 2, and to transport the working medium between the branch sections 2 and the branch sections 2. The top channel 8 and the bottom channel 9 are used to connect the branch sections 2 and the connecting sections 1, and to transport the working medium between the branch sections 2 and the connecting sections 1. Considering the heat transfer capacity and processing difficulty, the channel spacing is preferably 1.4mm. The aerospace branch channel heat pipe is processed by metal 3D printing technology. In order to ensure that the heat pipe has good heat conduction performance and structural strength, the 3D printing material is AlSi10Mg. The thermal resistance between the branch section 2 and the connecting section 1 of the aerospace branch channel heat pipe is 0.15K / W, and the thermal resistance between the branch section 2 and the branch section 2 is 0.17K / W. The maximum thermal resistance is reduced by 16% compared with the same weight of traditional uniform temperature plate, and the heat transfer performance is good, which can meet the thermal control requirements of spacecraft. The maximum temperature difference of the aerospace branch channel heat pipe under the heating of heat sources with power of 4W, 8W, 12W and 16W is 0.9℃, and the maximum temperature difference is 13% smaller than that of the same weight of traditional uniform temperature plate, and the uniform temperature performance is good, which can meet the thermal control requirements of spacecraft.

[0041] The application can achieve the uniform temperature of multiple heat sources in a small space of a spacecraft through multiple branch sections 2 and connecting sections 1. The application connects multiple heat sources by the branches of the channel heat pipe, establishes the working medium transport channel between the multiple heat sources through the annular through channel on the inner wall of the heat pipe, and can achieve efficient heat transfer between the multiple branches of the heat pipe, thereby achieving the uniform temperature of the multiple heat sources. The application connects each heat source through independent branches, so the uniform temperature speed is fast and the uniform temperature temperature difference is small. The application overcomes the shortcomings of large installation space and large weight of traditional uniform temperature plate, has compact structure and light weight, and can achieve the uniform temperature of multiple heat sources in a small space.

[0042] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer" and the like refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only intended to facilitate the description of the present application and simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0043] The specific embodiments of the present application are described above. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and various changes or modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essential content of the present application. The embodiments of the present application and the features in the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined with each other without conflict, provided that they do not conflict.

Claims

1. A space-grade branch-channel heat pipe suitable for uniform temperature distribution across multiple heat sources, characterized in that, The heat pipe includes: a shell (3), a channel (4) and a support column (5). The shell (3) has a hollow cavity inside, which is filled with a gaseous working fluid. The shell (3) includes a connecting section (1) and a branch section (2). Multiple branch sections (2) are connected to the connecting section (1) respectively. The connecting section (1) and multiple branch sections (2) are connected to different heat sources respectively. Multiple support columns (5) are provided inside the connecting section (1). The support column (5) has an installation hole (6) that communicates with the outside. The heat pipe is fastened to the heat source through the installation hole (6). The number of the branch segments (2) matches the number of heat sources. The direction of the branch segments (2) can be adjusted according to the distribution of heat sources and the installation space, and the size can be adjusted according to the power of the heat sources. The channel (4) is disposed on the inner side wall of the shell (3). The channel (4) is filled with liquid working medium. The channel (4) includes a side channel (7), a top channel (8) and a bottom channel (9). The side channel (7) is disposed along the side contour line of the shell (3) to form a connecting loop that connects all branch segments (2). Each branch segment (2) is connected to the connecting segment (1) through the top channel (8) and the bottom channel (9).

2. The aerospace branch-channel heat pipe suitable for uniform temperature distribution across multiple heat sources as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the channel (4) is Ω-shaped. The top is a narrow slit that draws the condensed liquid working medium into the bottom of the channel through capillary force. The width of the narrow slit is 0.2-0.4 mm and the depth is 0.5-0.7 mm. The bottom of the channel is a cylindrical cavity with a diameter of 0.8-1.2 mm.

3. The aerospace branch-channel heat pipe suitable for uniform temperature distribution across multiple heat sources as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The channel (4) includes parallel channels, and the distance between two adjacent channels is 1.2-1.6 mm.

4. The aerospace branch-channel heat pipe suitable for uniform temperature distribution across multiple heat sources as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid working medium in the channel (4) includes ammonia.

5. The aerospace branch-channel heat pipe suitable for uniform temperature distribution across multiple heat sources as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower surfaces of the shell (3) are both planes with a flatness better than 0.1mm for 100mm×100mm.

6. The aerospace branch-channel heat pipe suitable for temperature uniformity of multiple heat sources as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support column (5) is cylindrical with a diameter of 9-11 mm.

7. The aerospace branch-channel heat pipe suitable for uniform temperature distribution across multiple heat sources as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bending radius of the branch segment (2) is less than 5 times the side length of the outer contour of the branch segment (2) cross section.

8. The aerospace branch-channel heat pipe suitable for uniform temperature distribution across multiple heat sources as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat pipe is manufactured using a metal additive manufacturing method, and is sealed by welding after the working fluid is filled.

9. The aerospace branch-channel heat pipe suitable for temperature uniformity of multiple heat sources as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat pipe and the heat source are fastened together by screws and the mounting hole (6), and thermally conductive silicone rubber is coated on the mounting surface of the heat pipe before installation.

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