Hybrid Loop Heat Pipe with Magnetically Levitating Pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional loop heat pipes have limited heat transport capacity and are prone to transient dynamics and potential blockages due to the reliance on capillary action, which can lead to system failure, especially in high-heat flux applications like spacecraft electronics.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a maintenance-free, magnetically levitating bearingless pump into the loop heat pipe system to enhance pressure head and mass flowrate, increasing heat transport capacity while maintaining long-life, maintenance-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a mechanical pump is integrated into the LHP system, then heat transport capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transport capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mechanical pump with the loop heat pipe system by integrating it into the liquid return line, creating a unified hybrid system where the pump and LHP components work together as a single thermal management unit, thereby improving heat transport capacity while managing system complexity through cohesive design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid system serves multiple functions: the LHP portion provides passive capillary-driven heat transport for baseline operation, while the integrated mechanical pump enhances mass flowrate and heat transport capacity when activated, allowing the system to adapt to varying thermal management requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a mechanical pump is integrated into the LHP system, then mass flowrate is improved, but maintenance requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass flowrateVSAvoidmaintenance-free operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical pumps with magnetic bearings and sealing systems with a magnetically levitated pump design that eliminates physical contact between moving parts, thereby achieving enhanced mass flowrate while maintaining maintenance-free operation suitable for space applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetically levitated pump uses magnetic fields for both levitation and drive functions, allowing the system to self-regulate and operate without external maintenance or lubrication, with the magnetic field providing both support and propulsion for the impeller

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If capillary action is used to drive fluid, then system simplicity is improved, but heat transport capacity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidheat transport capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static capillary-driven system to a dynamic hybrid system where the mechanical pump can be activated to increase mass flowrate and heat transport capacity while maintaining the simple capillary wick structure, allowing the system to adapt its performance level based on thermal management requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The hybrid loop heat pipe achieves improved heat transport capacity and stability by increasing mass flowrate and reducing dynamic oscillations, with the added reliability of multiple pumps in series, ensuring continuous operation even if one pump fails.

Implementation Method 1

The impeller is magnetically levitated and driven by a magnetic field generated by a stator, eliminating the need for mechanical bearings and seals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic levitation: Maglev

Implementation Method 2

This conventional LHP design relies upon the capillary action developed in the porous wick of the evaporator to generate a pressure head in the loop and drive the working fluid through the system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

an evaporator thermally coupled to a heat load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

a condenser thermally coupled to a heat sink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12173965B2Hybrid loop heat pipe with integrated magnetically levitating bearingless pump

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

A hybrid capillary and mechanically pumped loop heat pipe (HLHP) includes a fluid loop having an evaporator thermally coupled to a heat load, a condenser thermally coupled to a heat sink, a reservoir, and one or more magnetically levitating pumps configured to pump fluid through the loop thereby improving heat transport capacity and system stability.