Heat Pipe With Segmented Evaporators For Multi-Source Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pipe configurations face limitations in efficiently cooling multiple heat sources located at different positions, as they often require the heat sources to be positioned adjacent to the lower part of the heat pipe for effective cooling, and there is a trade-off between the size of the evaporator and condenser sections.
Innovation Solution
The proposed heat pipe configuration includes multiple evaporator sections in fluid communication with a single condenser section, utilizing gravity to return condensed refrigerant to each evaporator section. This configuration features liquid flow paths with obstructions oriented at angles to divert refrigerant towards specific evaporator sections, allowing for efficient cooling of multiple heat sources without the need for specific positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single evaporator section is used in conventional heat pipes, then the structure is simple, but only one heat source can be cooled effectively and multiple heat sources require specific positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe is divided into multiple evaporator sections (first evaporator section and second evaporator section) that are spatially separated and can be positioned at different locations along the heat pipe. Each evaporator section can independently contact a different heat source, allowing simultaneous cooling of multiple heat sources without requiring specific positioning relationships between them.
2Productivity
If the evaporator section is enlarged to cool more heat sources, then cooling capacity increases, but the condenser section size must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing evaporator size in one dimension at the expense of the condenser, the solution distributes cooling capacity across multiple evaporator sections positioned at different locations along the heat pipe. This spatial distribution allows the total evaporating area to be increased while maintaining adequate condenser section size, as the heat pipe leverages its length dimension to accommodate multiple evaporation zones.
3Use of energy by moving object
If gravity-return mechanism is used, then no additional energy is required for fluid return, but heat sources must be positioned adjacent to the lower part of the heat pipe
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple evaporator sections are distributed along the length of the heat pipe rather than being concentrated at the lower end. This segmentation allows different evaporator sections to be positioned at various locations, providing flexibility in matching heat sources at different positions while still utilizing gravity return for the working fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe design accommodates heat sources at different positions (upper, middle, and lower sections) through multiple evaporator sections, making the cooling system universally applicable to various heat source configurations without requiring active pumping or additional energy input for fluid return.
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 enhances cooling efficiency and flexibility by allowing multiple heat sources to be cooled effectively, regardless of their position, while maintaining a balanced size for both the evaporator and condenser sections.
Implementation Method 1
The evaporating section contains a working fluid in liquid form that absorbs heat from the item, body or fluid to be cooled and is thereby boiled to form a vapor of the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
uses the motive force of vaporization to move the vaporous fluid from the evaporating section to the condensing section
Implementation Method 3
Vaporous working fluid in the condensing section releases heat to the chosen heat sink (for example, ambient air) and is thereby condensed to form liquid working fluid
Implementation Method 4
This liquid then returns under the force of gravity to the evaporating section
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are heat pipes of the type having a condenser section in which gaseous refrigerant is condensed to produce liquid refrigerant comprising:(a) at least one closed pipe comprising:(i) a condenser section,(ii) a first evaporator section in fluid communication with said condenser section; and(iii) at least a second evaporator section in fluid communication with said condenser section;(b) refrigerant contained in said heat pipe;(c) at least a first liquid flow path leading a first portion of liquid refrigerant condensed in said condenser section to said first evaporator section; and(d) at least a second liquid flow path leading a second portion of liquid refrigerant condensed in said condenser section to said second evaporator section, wherein said second evaporator section comprises a reservoir holding liquid refrigerant at a location different than said first evaporator section.