Heat Pipe Segmented Capillary Structure for Fluid Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In heat pipes, when the heat source is turned off, the temperature difference between the condensation and evaporation portions decreases, leading to a reduction in pressure difference. This causes the working fluid in the condensation portion to rapidly flow back to the evaporation end through the capillary structure before being cooled to the desired temperature, resulting in reduced heat dissipation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The heat pipe design includes a pipe body with an evaporation and condensation portion, where a first capillary structure is disposed in the evaporation portion and a second capillary structure is disposed in the condensation portion. The second capillary structure is thermally coupled to the first capillary structure through the pipe body but is not in direct contact with it, preventing direct fluid flow between them. This configuration prevents the working fluid from rapidly flowing back to the evaporation portion before cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat source is turned off, then the temperature difference between condensation and evaporation portions decreases, but the working fluid rapidly flows back to evaporation end before cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe is divided into two independent capillary structures: a first capillary structure in the evaporation portion and a second capillary structure in the condensation portion. These structures are not in direct contact, creating separate fluid circulation paths that prevent uncontrolled rapid flow back to the evaporation end when the heat source is turned off.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe body acts as an intermediary that thermally couples the first and second capillary structures without allowing direct fluid contact. This intermediary structure enables heat transfer while preventing the harmful rapid flow of working fluid from the condensation portion back to the evaporation portion.
2Stress or pressure
If the pressure difference is reduced, then the working fluid flows back through capillary structure, but cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary structure is segmented into two independent parts located in different portions of the heat pipe. The second capillary structure in the condensation portion is not in direct contact with the first capillary structure in the evaporation portion, creating separate flow paths that control fluid movement and maintain cooling efficiency even when pressure difference is reduced.
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 design effectively prevents the rapid flow of working fluid back to the evaporation portion when the heat source is turned off, ensuring that the fluid is cooled to the desired temperature before recirculation, thereby maintaining efficient heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
The heat pipe employs phase change of the working fluid flowing between the vaporization and condensation ends of the heat pipe to transfer thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
At the evaporation end of the heat pipe, the liquid working fluid is vaporized
Implementation Method 3
The working fluid is condensed into liquid
Implementation Method 4
The working fluid is condensed into liquid and then flows back to the evaporation end via a capillary structure
Implementation Method 5
the liquid working fluid is vaporized and then travels to the condensation end due to the pressure difference
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pipe including a pipe body, a first capillary structure and a second capillary structure. The pipe body has an evaporation portion and a condensation portion. The condensation portion is connected to the evaporation portion. The first capillary structure is disposed in the evaporation portion. The second capillary structure is disposed in the condensation portion and is connected to an end of the condensation portion that is located away from the evaporation portion. The second capillary structure is not in direct contact with the first capillary structure.