Metal wick crimping method for heat pipe interior

Abstract

A wick assembly for use in a heat pipe is disclosed. The wick assembly includes an end plug including a wick-receiving area, a wick, and a crimp. A portion of the wick is positioned around the wick-receiving area. The crimp is positioned around the portion of the wick and the wick-receiving area. The end plug, the portion of the wick, and the crimp are diffusion bonded.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Government Contract) This invention was made with government support under Contract FOA-1817 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The government has certain rights in this invention.

[0002] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 979,822, filed February 21, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] The present invention relates generally to heat pipes used in heat transfer systems, and more particularly to a wick within a heat pipe configured to transport the working fluid of the heat pipe from a condenser region to an evaporator region of the heat pipe.

[0004] A heat pipe is a hermetically sealed, two-phase heat transfer component used to transfer heat from a primary side (evaporator section) to a secondary side (condenser section). FIG. 1 illustrates, by way of example, a heat pipe 100 including the aforementioned evaporator section 102 and condenser section 106 with an adiabatic section 104 extending therebetween. The heat pipe 100 further includes a working fluid (e.g., water, liquid potassium, sodium) and a wick structure 108. During operation, the working fluid is configured to absorb heat and evaporate in the evaporator section 102. Saturated vapor carrying latent heat of vaporization flows through the adiabatic section 104 toward the condenser section 106. In the condenser section 106, the vapor condenses and releases its latent heat. The condensed liquid is then returned to the evaporator section 102 through the wick structure 108 by capillary action. The aforementioned flow path of the working fluid is illustrated by the dashed arrows in FIG. 1. The phase change process and two-phase flow circulation continues as long as the temperature gradient between the evaporator and condenser sections is maintained. Due to the very high heat transfer coefficients for boiling and condensation, heat pipes are very effective heat conductors.

[0005] In nuclear systems, heat pipes are utilized by placing the evaporator section of the heat pipe within the core containing the nuclear fuel and the condenser section near a heat exchanger. The nuclear fuel evaporates the working fluid, and the heat exchanger absorbs the latent heat in the condenser section. Examples of heat pipes in nuclear applications are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,684,848, U.S. Pat. No. 6,768,781, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0027536, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0006] Another exemplary use of heat pipes in nuclear systems is in microreactors, which are nuclear reactors that generate less than 10 MWe and can be deployed in remote applications. These microreactors are packaged in relatively small vessels, operate without active personnel involvement, and can operate without refueling / repair for longer periods of time than conventional nuclear power plants. One such microreactor is the eVinci microreactor system, designed by Westinghouse Electric Company. The eVinci system is a heat-pipe-cooled nuclear reactor power system that utilizes heat pipes to function as passive heat removal devices, efficiently transferring thermal energy from the reactor core to a heat exchanger.

[0007] Heat pipes used in microreactors experience extreme operating temperatures (over 850°C) and require an internal wick made from a material that can withstand these temperatures and still function properly. This wick can be constructed from wire mesh that is rolled and diffusion bonded together into a tubular structure. The wick tube allows the working fluid within the heat pipe to pass radially (e.g., after the latent heat is released and the working fluid is absorbed by the wick) and along its axis (transporting the working fluid back toward the evaporator section by capillary action) while remaining rigid.

[0008] For the system to function properly, one end of the wick tube must be sealed to the inner end of the heat pipe. One way this can be achieved is by bonding the wick to an end plug and then welding the end plug to the heat pipe. When the wick tube is bonded to the end plug, it must support a pressure greater than the expected pressure differential for operation. This pressure differential depends on the pore size of the wick, which in turn depends on the number of layers of wick rolled and the diffusion bonding process.

[0009] Because wicks typically have very thin walls (approximately 0.014 inches) and are not constructed from solid metal, it is not easy to bond the wick to the end plugs using standard thin-wall tubing / welding methods. Additionally, attempting to use welding methods would delaminate the wick, effectively destroying its ability to hold internal pressure as needed. Additionally, attempting to use swaging methods would be impossible due to geometric constraints on the system.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for fusing a wick to an end plug such that it will hold a pressure greater than the expected pressure differential of an operating wick without compromising the wick's ability to perform its intended design function, such as absorbing and transporting working fluid from the condenser section of the heat pipe to the evaporator section of the heat pipe. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In various embodiments, a wick assembly for use in a heat pipe is disclosed, the wick assembly including an end plug including a wick-receiving area, a wick, and a crimp. A portion of the wick is positioned around the wick-receiving area. The crimp is positioned around the portion of the wick and the wick-receiving area. The end plug, the portion of the wick, and the crimp are diffusion bonded.

[0012] In various embodiments, a heat pipe is disclosed that includes an evaporator region, an insulating region, a condenser region, and a wick assembly. The wick assembly includes an end plug including a first engaging portion and a wick including a second engaging portion configured to overlap the first engaging portion. The wick assembly further includes a crimp including a third engaging portion configured to overlap the first and second engaging portions. The first engaging portion, the second engaging portion, and the third engaging portion are diffusion bonded.

[0013] In various embodiments, a method of constructing a wick assembly for use in a heat pipe is disclosed. The method includes:Crimp of Part of Wick to form a wick / crimp assembly; sliding the wick / crimp assembly over the wick-receiving area of the end plug to form a plug / wick / crimp interface; positioning a crimping device around the plug / wick / crimp interface; crimping the crimp using the crimping device; and diffusion bonding the crimp, wick, and end plug using an external heat source. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] The various features of the embodiments described herein, together with their advantages, may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a heat pipe working fluid moving through the heat pipe. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an end plug according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a crimp according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a crimp positioned on top of a wick, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a wick / crimp assembly positioned on top of a wick-receiving area of an end plug, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a fastening device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates a top view of a clamshell clamp of a fastening device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a clamshell clamp of a fastening device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]1 illustrates a plug / wick / crimp interface in a receiving surface of a clamshell clamp with a crimping device in an open position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a plug / wick / crimp interface in a receiving surface of a clamshell clamp with a crimping device in a closed position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a crimping device applying pressure to a plug / wick / crimp interface, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an external heat source applying heat to a crimped plug / wick / crimp interface, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a wick assembly undergoing a pressure test, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates a heat pipe including a wick extending along its length and diffusion bonded at both ends to end plugs, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates a method of constructing a wick assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set forth herein illustrate various embodiments of the present invention in one form, and such exemplifications should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and therefore, it will be understood that specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and exemplary. Variations and modifications thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0018] 2 illustrates an end plug 200 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. End plug 200 has an annular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, end plug 200 may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as a square cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or a cross-sectional shape that is similar to, or at least substantially similar to, the cross-sectional shape of the heat pipe with which end plug 200 is intended to be utilized. End plug 200 may be fabricated from any suitable material that is configured to withstand the high operating temperatures of a heat pipe, such as, by way of example, steel or copper.

[0019] In one embodiment, end plug 200 may include a first end portion 202, a second end portion 206, and an intermediate portion 204 positioned between first end portion 202 and second end portion 206. First end portion 202 is configured to be coupled to the inner end of a heat pipe, for example, by welding, adhesive, fasteners, or any other suitable connection. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, first end portion 202 comprises the largest cross-sectional area compared to second end portion 206 and intermediate portion 204. In other embodiments, first end portion 202 comprises a substantially similar cross-sectional area compared to second end portion 206 or intermediate portion 204. In another embodiment, first end portion 202 comprises the smallest cross-sectional area compared to second end portion 206 and intermediate portion 204.

[0020] First end portion 202 can include a first diameter d1 and a first length L1. In one exemplary embodiment, first diameter d1 can be 0.750" and first length L1 can be 0.25". In one aspect, the ratio of first diameter d1 to first length L1 can be 3:1. In other aspects, the ratio of first diameter d1 to first length L1 can be greater than 3:1, such as, for example, 4:1, 4.5:1, or 5:1. In other aspects, the ratio of first diameter d1 to first length L1 can be less than 3:1, such as, for example, 2:1, 1.5:1, or 1.25:1.

[0021] In one embodiment, intermediate portion 204 can include a second diameter d2 and a second length L2. In one exemplary embodiment, second diameter d2 can be 0.615" and second length L2 can be 0.15". In one aspect, the ratio of second diameter d2 to second length L2 can be approximately 4.1:1. In other aspects, the ratio of second diameter d2 to second length L2 can be greater than 4.1:1, such as, for example, 5:1, 5.5:1, or 6:1. In other aspects, the ratio of second diameter d2 to second length L2 can be less than 4.1:1, such as, for example, 3:1, 2.5:1, or 2:1.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the first diameter d1 to the second diameter d2 may be approximately 1.2:1. In another exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the first diameter d1 to the second diameter d2 may be greater than 1.2:1, such as, for example, 1.5:1, 2:1, or 2.5:1. In another exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the first diameter d1 to the second diameter d2 may be less than 1.2:1, such as, for example, 1.1:1, 1.05:1, or 1:1. In one exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the first length L1 to the second length L2 may be approximately 1.7:1. In another exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the first length L1 to the second length L2 may be greater than 1.7:1, such as, for example, 2:1, 2.25:1, or 2.5:1. In another exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the first length L1 to the second length L2 may be less than 1.7:1, such as 1.5:1, 1.25:1, or 1:1, as examples.

[0023] Second end portion 206 defines a stepped configuration along its length. Stated another way, second end portion 206 includes grooves 210 defined therein, such that second end portion 206 includes a first stepped region 208 and a second stepped region, or groove 210. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , second end portion 206 may include two grooves 210 defined therein. In another embodiment, second end portion 206 may include one groove 210 defined therein. In another embodiment, second end portion 206 may include three or more grooves 210 defined therein.

[0024] First stepped region 208 can include a third diameter d3 and a third length L3. In one exemplary embodiment, third diameter d3 can be 0.542" and third length L3 can be 0.1". In one aspect, the ratio of third diameter d3 to third length L3 can be approximately 5.4:1. In other aspects, the ratio of third diameter d3 to third length L3 can be greater than 5.4:1, such as, for example, 5.5:1, 6:1, or 6.5:1. In other aspects, the ratio of third diameter d3 to third length L3 can be less than 5.4:1, such as, for example, 5:1, 4.5:1, or 4:1.

[0025] Groove 210 can include a fourth diameter d4 and a fourth length L4. In one exemplary embodiment, fourth diameter d3 can be 0.512" and fourth length L4 can be 0.1". In one aspect, the ratio of fourth diameter d4 to fourth length L4 can be approximately 5.1:1. In other aspects, the ratio of fourth diameter d4 to fourth length L4 can be greater than 5.1:1, such as, for example, 5.5:1, 6:1, or 6.5:1. In other aspects, the ratio of fourth diameter d4 to fourth length L4 can be less than 5.1:1, such as, for example, 5:1, 4.5:1, or 4:1.

[0026] In one embodiment, the ratio of the third diameter d3 to the fourth diameter d4 can be about 1.1:1. In another exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the third diameter d3 to the fourth diameter d4 can be greater than 1.1:1, such as, for example, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, or 2:1. In another exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the third diameter d3 to the fourth diameter d4 can be less than 1.1:1, such as, for example, 1.075:1, 1.05:1, or 1.025:1.

[0027] In one embodiment, the ratio of the third length L3 to the fourth length L4 may be approximately 1:1. In another exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the third length L3 to the fourth length L4 may be greater than 1:1, such as, for example, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, or 1.75:1. In another exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the third length L3 to the fourth length L4 may be less than 1:1, such as, for example, 0.75:1, 0.5:1, or 0.25:1.

[0028] The second end portion 206 may also include a tapered region 214. In one embodiment, the tapered region 214 may include a flat or substantially flat section 216 and a tapered section 218 extending from the flat section 216. Collectively, the first stepped region 208, the groove 210, the flat section 216, and the tapered section 218 define the wick-receiving area 212.

[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, flat section 216 may include a fifth diameter d5 and a fifth length L5. In one exemplary embodiment, fifth diameter d5 may be the same as, or at least substantially the same as, the diameter of first stepped region 208, i.e., d3. In other exemplary embodiments, fifth diameter d5 may be the same as, or at least substantially the same as, the diameter for groove 210, i.e., d4. In one embodiment, fifth length L5 may be 0.03 inches. In another embodiment, fifth length L5 may be the same as, or at least substantially the same as, one of third length L3 or fourth length L4.

[0030] Additionally, tapered section 218 extends from flat section 216 to a sixth diameter d6 over a sixth length L6 and at an angle α. In one exemplary embodiment, sixth diameter d6 may be 0.53", sixth length may be 0.07", and angle α may be 5°. Other exemplary embodiments are envisioned in which sixth diameter d6 is greater than 0.53 inches (e.g., 0.535 inches) or less than 0.53 inches (e.g., 0.5 inches). Other exemplary embodiments are envisioned in which sixth length L6 is greater than 0.07 inches (e.g., 0.1 inches) or less than 0.07 inches (e.g., 0.05 inches). Other exemplary embodiments are envisioned in which angle α is greater than 5° (e.g., 10°) or less than 0.53 inches (e.g., 3°).

[0031] In one aspect, end plug 200 may be a hollow end plug 200 having a hole 220 defined completely therethrough, the hole having a diameter C1. In one exemplary embodiment, hole diameter C1 is 0.25 inches. Other exemplary embodiments are contemplated in which hole diameter C1 is greater than 0.25 inches (e.g., 0.4 inches) or less than 0.25 inches (e.g., 0.1 inches). In another exemplary embodiment, end plug 200 may be a solid end plug without a hole 220 defined therein. In another embodiment, hole 220 may extend only through first end portion 202. In another embodiment, hole 220 may extend through first end portion 202 and second end portion 206. In another embodiment, hole 220 may extend only through wick receiving area 212.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3 , a crimp 300 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. The crimp 300 may include a seventh length L7, an inner diameter d i , and an outer diameter d o . In one aspect, the seventh length L7 of the crimp 300 may be the same as, or at least substantially the same as, the collective length of the first stepped region 208, the groove 210, the flat section 216, and the tapered section 218 that define the wick-receiving area 212. In one example, the seventh length L7 may be 0.5 inches. Other exemplary embodiments are envisioned in which the seventh length L7 is greater than 0.5 inches (e.g., 0.75 inches) or less than 0.5 inches (e.g., 0.25 inches). In one aspect, the crimp 300 may be sized such that multiple crimps 300 may be positioned at the top of the wick-receiving area 212. Additionally, the crimp 300 may be fabricated from or may be any suitable material configured to withstand the high operating temperatures of a heat pipe, such as, by way of example, steel or copper.

[0033] 4, the inner diameter d i of the crimp 300 is designed to allow the crimp 300 to slide over the top of the wick 400 to create the wick / crimp assembly 308. The inner diameter d i is sized with sufficient clearance to allow the wick 400 to not only slide over the top of the crimp 300 but also to fit snugly around the wick 400. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter d i may be 0.580 inches and the outer diameter d o may be 0.640 inches, resulting in a thickness of 0.06 inches. Other exemplary embodiments are envisioned in which the thickness of the crimp 300 is greater than 0.06 inches (e.g., 0.1 inches) or less than 0.06 inches (e.g., 0.05 inches).

[0034] 5 , when the crimp 300 is positioned around the wick 400 to form the wick / crimp assembly 308, the wick / crimp assembly 308 is configured to slide over the top of the wick-receiving area 212 of the end plug 200. The tapered region 214 is configured to help position the wick / crimp assembly 308 around the wick-receiving area 212, and the mid-section 204 of the end plug 200 is configured to abut the wick / crimp assembly 308 to prevent the wick / crimp assembly 308 from sliding past the wick-receiving area 212. Unlike other designs, the profiles of the wick-receiving area 212, particularly the first end portion 208 and the groove 210, are straight, allowing for uniform surface contact between the wick 400 and the wick-receiving area 212. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the wick / crimp assembly 308 positioned around the wick receiving area 212 of the end plug 200 defines a plug / wick / crimp interface 310 .

[0035] 6A, a crimping device 500 is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The crimping device 500 includes a pair of clamshell clamps 502, 504 and a pair of rods 510 that allow the clamshell clamps 502, 504 to be slidable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position (illustrated in FIG. 6A) and a clamped position (illustrated in FIG. 8). The clamshell clamps 502, 504 each include receiving surfaces 506, 508 that are sized and configured to receive the plug / wick / crimp interface 310.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 6B , the clamshell clamp 502 (or clamshell clamp 504) includes a length L8 that may be the same as, or at least substantially the same as, the length of the plug / wick / crimp interface 310. In one exemplary embodiment, the length may be 0.5 inches. In one exemplary embodiment in which two or more crimps are positioned around the wick 400 and the wick receiving area 212, the eighth length L8 may coincide with the length of the crimp 300, i.e., L7. In another exemplary embodiment, the eighth length L8 may be greater than the length of the crimp 300, such that the user definitively knows that the entire crimp 300 is positioned within the receiving surfaces 506, 508.

[0037] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, clamp shell clamp 502 (or clamp shell clamp 504) includes a radius r1 such that receiving surfaces 506, 508, collectively, can be positioned snugly around plug / wick / crimp interface 310 in the clamped position (as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9). In one exemplary embodiment, radius r1 can be 0.597 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, radius r1 can be the same as, or at least substantially the same as, the outer diameter, i.e., do, of crimp 300.

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 7, crimping device 500 is configured to receive plug / wick / crimp interface 310 within receiving surface 508 of clamshell clamp 504. Once plug / wick / crimp interface 310 is positioned within receiving surface 508, clamshell clamp 504 is configured to slide along rod 510 such that receiving surface 506 of clamshell clamp 502 is positioned around plug / wick / crimp interface 310 (Figure 8). Now referring to Figure 9, once receiving surfaces 506, 508 are clamped together, crimping device 500 is configured to apply pressure to plug / wick / crimp interface 310 to crimp plug / wick / crimp interface 310. 10 , once the plug / wick / crimp interface 310 is crimped, an external heat source, such as an oven, is configured to apply heat to the crimped plug / wick / crimp interface 310, thereby diffusion bonding the end plug 200, the wick 400, and the crimp 300 at the plug / wick / crimp interface 310. Diffusion bonding the wick 400 to the end plug 200 allows the wick to sustain a pressure greater than the expected pressure differential of an operating wick. Diffusion bonding the wick 400 to the end plug 200 does not impair the ability of the wick 400 to perform its intended design function, such as absorbing and transporting working fluid from the condenser section of a heat pipe to the evaporator section of the heat pipe. Additionally, when the wick 400 is diffusion bonded to the end plug 200, the use of grooves 210 in the wick-receiving area allows for pressure distribution along the wick 400. For example, a portion of the wick 400 positioned along the first stepped region 208 will experience a first force from the crimp 300, while a portion of the wick 400 positioned along the groove 210 will experience a second force from the crimp 300 that is less than the first force because the wick 400 sags into the groove 210.

[0039] 11, a wick assembly is illustrated in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the crimp 300, wick 400, and end plug 200 are diffusion bonded together at the plug / wick / crimp interface 310. Once assembled, any suitable pressure test can be performed to ensure the plug / wick / crimp arrangement is suitable for its intended use.

[0040] 12 , a heat pipe 600 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. The heat pipe 600 includes an evaporator section 602, a condenser section 606, and an adiabatic section 604 extending therebetween. The heat pipe 600 includes two end plugs 200, each positioned on an opposite end of the heat pipe 600. The first end portion 202 is coupled to the inner end of the heat pipe 600 by, for example, welding, adhesive, fasteners, or any other suitable connection. Additionally, a wick 400 is diffusion bonded to each of the end plugs 200 at the plug / wick / crimp interface 310. In another embodiment, only one end of the heat pipe 600 may include a wick 400 diffusion bonded to the end plug 200. 12, the end plugs 200 maintain the wick 400 a distance ds from the sidewall 602 of the heat pipe 600 to center the wick within the heat pipe 600. The end plugs 200 also help maintain the linear configuration of the wick 400 along the length of the heat pipe 600 from one end plug 200 to the other.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 13 , a method 700 of constructing a wick assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The method includes, by way of example, sliding a crimp over a portion of a wick to form a wick / crimp assembly (702), as illustrated in FIG. 4 . The method also includes, by way of example, sliding the wick / crimp assembly over a wick-receiving area of an end plug to form a plug / wick / crimp interface (704), as illustrated in FIG. 5 . The method further includes, by way of example, positioning a crimping device (706) around the plug / wick / crimp interface, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The method further includes crimping the crimp using a crimping device (708), as illustrated in FIG. 9 . The method further includes, by way of example, diffusion bonding the crimp, wick, and end plug using an external heat source, as illustrated in FIG. 10 .

[0042] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated in the following examples.

[0043] Example 1 - A wick assembly for use in a heat pipe, comprising: an end plug having a wick receiving area; a wick, a portion of the wick positioned around the wick receiving area; and a crimp positioned around the portion of the wick and the wick receiving area, wherein the end plug, the portion of the wick, and the crimp are diffusion bonded.

[0044] Example 2 - The wick assembly of Example 1, wherein the end plug comprises a hollow end plug.

[0045] Example 3 - The wick assembly of Example 1 or 2, wherein the end plug comprises an annular end plug.

[0046] Example 4 - The wick assembly of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the end plug comprises a metal end plug.

[0047] Example 5 - A wick assembly according to any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the wick receiving area comprises a non-tapered region and a tapered region extending from the non-tapered region.

[0048] Example 6 - A wick assembly as described in Example 5, wherein the non-tapered region comprises at least one groove defined therein.

[0049] Example 7 - A wick assembly as described in Example 5 or 6, wherein the non-tapered region comprises two grooves defined therein.

[0050] Example 8 - A wick assembly according to any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the wick comprises an annular wick.

[0051] Example 9 - A wick assembly according to any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the end plug comprises a middle section configured to prevent the wick from moving beyond the wick-receiving area.

[0052] Example 10 - A wick assembly as described in Example 9, wherein the mid-section is configured to prevent the crimp from migrating beyond the wick-receiving area.

[0053] Example 11 - A heat pipe comprising an evaporator region, an insulating region, a condenser region, and a wick assembly comprising: an end plug having a first engaging portion; a wick having a second engaging portion configured to overlap the first engaging portion; and a crimp having a third engaging portion configured to overlap the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, wherein the first engaging portion, the second engaging portion, and the third engaging portion are diffusion bonded.

[0054] Example 12 - The heat pipe of example 11, wherein the wick is configured to extend through the condenser region, the insulating region, and the evaporator region.

[0055] Example 13 - The heat pipe of example 11 or 12, wherein the end plug comprises a hollow end plug.

[0056] Example 14 - The heat pipe of any one of Examples 11-13, wherein the end plug comprises an annular plug.

[0057] Example 15 - The heat pipe of any one of Examples 11-14, wherein the end plug comprises a metal end plug.

[0058] Example 16 - The heat pipe of any one of Examples 11-15, wherein the first engagement portion comprises a non-tapered region and a tapered region extending from the non-tapered region.

[0059] Example 17 - The heat pipe of example 16, wherein the non-tapered region comprises at least one groove defined therein.

[0060] Example 18 - The heat pipe of example 16, wherein the non-tapered region comprises two grooves defined therein.

[0061] Example 19 - The heat pipe of any one of Examples 11-18, wherein the wick comprises an annular wick.

[0062] Example 20 - A heat pipe described in any one of Examples 11 to 19, wherein the end plug comprises an intermediate section configured to abut the wick and prevent the second engagement portion from moving beyond the first engagement portion.

[0063] Example 21 - A heat pipe as described in Example 20, wherein the intermediate section is configured to abut the crimp to prevent the third engagement portion from moving beyond the first engagement portion.

[0064] Example 22 - The heat pipe of any one of Examples 11-21, wherein the end plug is a first end plug and the wick assembly further comprises a second end plug.

[0065] Example 23 - The heat pipe of example 22, wherein the first end plug and the second end plug are configured to center the wick within the heat pipe.

[0066] Example 24 - A method of constructing a wick assembly for use in a heat pipe, comprising: Crimp of Part of Wick to form a wick / crimp assembly; sliding the wick / crimp assembly over a wick-receiving area of an end plug to form a plug / wick / crimp interface; positioning a crimping device around the plug / wick / crimp interface; crimping the crimp using the crimping device; and diffusion bonding the crimp, wick, and end plug using an external heat source.

[0067] Unless otherwise specifically stated as is apparent from the above disclosure, throughout the above disclosure, discussions using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying," and the like refer to the acts and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the computer system's registers and memory into other data that is similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system's memory or registers, or other such information storage, transmission, or display device.

[0068] One or more components may be referred to herein as being "configured to," "configurable to," "operable to," "adapted to," "capable to," "adaptable to," etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless the context requires otherwise, "configured to" may generally encompass active components and / or inactive components and / or standby components.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the terms used in this specification, generally, and in the appended claims in particular (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "include" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that where a specific number of claim recitations are intended to be introduced, such intention will be expressly recited in the claim; in the absence of such recitation, no such intention exists. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that introducing a claim recitation with the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such an introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when that same claim includes the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should typically be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"), nor should the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0070] Additionally, even if a specific number of enumerations in an introduced claim are explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such enumeration should typically be interpreted as meaning at least the number recited (e.g., the literal recitation of "two enumerations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two enumerations, or more than two enumerations). Furthermore, in those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, such structure is generally intended in a sense that those skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but not be limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, such construction is generally intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that typical disjunctive words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" would typically be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0071] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations recited therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, while various operational flow diagrams are presented in sequences, it should be understood that various operations may be performed in other orders than those illustrated, or may be performed simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preliminary, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or various other orderings, unless the context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, unless the context dictates otherwise, terms such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations.

[0072] It should be noted that any reference to "one embodiment," "one embodiment," "one example," "one example," etc. means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in one embodiment," "in one example," and "in one example" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0073] Any patent applications, patents, non-patent publications, or other disclosure materials referenced herein and / or listed in any Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that such materials are not inconsistent with this specification. Accordingly, and to the extent necessary, the present disclosure as expressly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated herein by reference but that conflicts with existing definitions, descriptions, or other disclosure material set forth herein is incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0074] The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. Consequently, a system that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

[0075] In summary, numerous benefits resulting from employing the concepts described herein have been described. The above description of one or more embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. One or more embodiments have been selected and described to illustrate the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize various embodiments and with various modifications suitable for the particular use contemplated. The claims submitted herewith are intended to define the overall scope.

Claims

1. 1. A wick assembly for use in a heat pipe, comprising: an end plug having a wick receiving area; a wick, a portion of the wick being positioned around the wick receiving area; a crimp positioned around the portion of the wick and the wick receiving area; The wick assembly, wherein the end plug, the portion of the wick, and the crimp are diffusion bonded.

2. The wick assembly of claim 1 , wherein the end plug comprises a hollow end plug.

3. The wick assembly of claim 2 , wherein the hollow end plug comprises an annular end plug having an annular cross-sectional shape.

4. The wick assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the end plug comprises a metal end plug.

5. the wick receiving area comprises a non-tapered region and a tapered region extending from the non-tapered region; The wick assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the non-tapered region comprises at least one groove defined therein.

6. The wick assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wick comprises an annular wick.

7. The wick assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the end plug comprises a mid-section configured to prevent the wick from moving beyond the wick-receiving area.

8. The wick assembly of claim 7 , wherein the mid-section is configured to prevent the crimp from moving beyond the wick-receiving area.

9. A heat pipe, an evaporator region; an insulating region; a condenser region; 1. A wick assembly comprising: an end plug having a first engagement portion; a wick including a second engagement portion configured to overlap the first engagement portion; a crimp comprising a third engaging portion configured to overlap the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion; the first engaging portion, the second engaging portion, and the third engaging portion are diffusion bonded. a wick assembly.

10. The heat pipe of claim 9 , wherein the wick is configured to extend through the condenser region, the insulating region, and the evaporator region.

11. 11. The heat pipe of claim 9 or 10, wherein the end plug comprises a hollow end plug.

12. The heat pipe of claim 11 , wherein the hollow end plug comprises an annular plug having an annular cross-sectional shape.

13. The heat pipe of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the end plug comprises a metal end plug.

14. the first engagement portion comprises a non-tapered region and a tapered region extending from the non-tapered region; A heat pipe according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the non-tapered region comprises at least one groove defined therein.

15. The heat pipe of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the wick comprises an annular wick.

16. 16. The heat pipe of claim 9, wherein the end plug comprises an intermediate section configured to abut the wick to prevent the second engagement portion from moving beyond the first engagement portion.

17. The heat pipe of claim 16 , wherein the intermediate section is configured to abut the crimp to prevent the third engagement portion from moving beyond the first engagement portion.

18. the end plug is a first end plug; The heat pipe of any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the wick assembly further comprises a second end plug.

19. The heat pipe of claim 18 , wherein the first end plug and the second end plug are configured to center the wick within the heat pipe.

20. 1. A method of assembling a wick assembly for use in a heat pipe, comprising: sliding the crimp over a portion of the wick to form a wick / crimp assembly; sliding the wick / crimp assembly over the wick-receiving area of an end plug to form a plug / wick / crimp interface; Positioning a crimping device around the plug / wick / crimp interface; crimping the crimp using the crimping device; diffusion bonding the crimp, the wick, and the end plug using an external heat source; A method comprising:

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