Interconnected Capillary Heat Pipe Network for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capillary heat pipe networks face limitations in heat transfer efficiency due to inevitable heat transfer losses at intersections, requiring numerous cold sources and increased thermal conductivity, which complicates layout and modularity, especially in three-dimensional configurations.
Innovation Solution
A network of capillary heat pipes where tubes intersect and are interconnected, allowing capillary fluid exchange in the liquid phase and free circulation of vapor between central channels at nodes, ensuring continuous flow and reducing pressure drops, with modular interconnections using hollow junction pieces for enhanced efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If capillary heat pipes are interconnected at intersections to form a network, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but heat transfer losses occur at intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the liquid phase circulation and vapor phase circulation into a single integrated capillary heat pipe network. The capillary structure enables continuous liquid flow while central channels allow vapor circulation, combining both functions in one interconnected system to maintain heat transfer efficiency while minimizing losses at intersections through seamless fluid exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-channel intermediary structure where capillary structures handle liquid phase transport and central channels handle vapor phase transport. This intermediary separation of phases at intersections allows efficient heat transfer without the energy losses that would occur in single-channel systems, as each phase has its dedicated pathway.
2Power
If numerous cold sources are placed to compensate for heat transfer losses, then heat evacuation capability is improved, but device complexity and layout difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interconnected capillary heat pipe network that can serve multiple hot sources and cold sources simultaneously through its integrated liquid and vapor circulation systems. The network's modular structure allows flexible configuration where the same basic units can be arranged to accommodate various numbers and positions of cold sources, reducing layout complexity while maintaining heat evacuation capability.
3Power
If thermal conductivity is increased to improve heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using capillary structures with specific pore sizes and distributions in key areas where heat transfer is most critical, rather than uniformly increasing thermal conductivity throughout the entire heat pipe. This localized approach to enhancing heat transfer through capillary action maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving high efficiency where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction with distinct capillary structure materials and central channel materials, each optimized for their specific function. This composite approach allows selective enhancement of heat transfer properties in different regions without requiring high-cost materials throughout, balancing manufacturing ease with thermal performance.
4Power
If three-dimensional heat pipe networks are configured to manage complex heat flows, then heat management capability is improved, but modularity and ease of assembly decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional heat pipe network into modular units, each containing interconnected capillary structures and central channels. These standardized modules can be independently manufactured and then assembled into complex three-dimensional configurations, maintaining both heat management capability and modularity for ease of assembly and maintenance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables efficient heat transfer across the network, allowing for the collection and evacuation of heat from hot sources to cold sources without the need for extensive cold source placement, supporting higher flux densities and complex geometries, and facilitating three-dimensional heat management.
Implementation Method 1
The capillary structure for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid in a liquid phase, surrounding a central channel for the circulation of said heat transfer fluid in a vapor phase
Implementation Method 2
central channel for the circulation of said heat transfer fluid in a vapor phase
Implementation Method 3
evaporation zone (8), in contact with the hot source(s) (6), the liquid vaporizes
Implementation Method 4
filled with a two-phase heat transfer fluid at a suitable pressure, allowing the transport of heat by vaporization, vapor flow, then condensation of the fluid
Implementation Method 5
condensation zone (9), where the vapor condenses in the liquid phase by releasing heat towards the cold source or sources (7)
Implementation Method 6
The tube (2) can either be in direct thermal contact with at least one hot source such as 6 in FIG. picture 1a
Implementation Method 7
releasing heat towards the cold source or sources (7)
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~5
AI summary
The thermal control device comprises at least one network (30) of capillary heat pipes (31), in which each heat pipe (31) comprises a tube enclosing an essentially annular longitudinal capillary structure, for the circulation of a two-phase heat-transfer fluid in the liquid phase, and surrounding a central channel for the circulation of said two-phase fluid in the vapour phase. The tubes of at least two heat pipes (31) of the network (30) intersect and are interconnected in such a way that at each intersection of heat pipes (31) forming a node (36, 37, 38) of the network (30), an exchange of fluid in the liquid phase can take place by capillary action between the capillary structures of said two or more heat pipes (31), and such that, simultaneously, an exchange of fluid in the vapour phase can take place by free circulation between the central channels of said two or more heat pipes (31).