HEAT PIPE THICK ARRANGEMENT AND HEAT PIPE ARRANGEMENT
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE602021027803
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-04-20
- Filing Date
- 2021-04-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-19
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-04-20
AI Technical Summary
Heat pipes in nuclear systems face failures due to differential thermal expansion (DTE) and dissimilar material compatibility issues when using dissimilar materials for the wick and container lid/end plug, leading to potential leaks and reduced performance over time.
The design includes a wick assembly with a wick and end plug made from materials with similar thermal expansion properties, and a separate container lid and end plug that can accommodate the wick's expansion and contraction through a sliding pin and groove mechanism, allowing for dissimilar materials to be used for the container and wick while maintaining a secure seal.
This solution prevents failures associated with DTE and dissimilar material compatibility, ensuring the heat pipe's reliability and performance by isolating the sealing interface and allowing for axial movement of the wick and end plug, thus maintaining thermal efficiency and structural integrity.