Integrated Evaporator-Condenser Paths for Leak-Resistant Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional two-phase heat transfer systems are susceptible to failures due to reliance on pumps or external plumbing, leading to reduced reliability and potential overheating of electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer system with an evaporator and condenser that utilize separate, integrally defined fluid transfer paths for vaporized and condensed working fluids, eliminating the need for external pipes and enhancing reliability by ensuring dedicated paths for each phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pumps or external plumbing are used to move fluid through the heat transfer system, then fluid flow is achieved, but system reliability deteriorates due to potential pump failure and pipe leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump and external plumbing components from the heat transfer system. Instead of using mechanical pumps and separate pipes, the system relies on natural phase change-driven circulation where vapor rises from the evaporator to the condenser and condensed liquid returns to the evaporator through gravity and pressure differentials, eliminating the failure-prone moving parts and connections
Solution Approach 2:
The evaporator and condenser are integrated into a single unified structure where the fluid transfer paths are internally defined within the same housing. This merging eliminates the need for external pipes connecting separate components, reducing potential leak points and simplifying the overall system architecture
2Reliability
If separate fluid transfer paths are provided for vaporized and condensed working fluids, then reliability improves by eliminating leaks, but device complexity increases due to integrated path definition
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator and condenser are merged into a single integrated component with internally defined separate fluid transfer paths. The vapor path and liquid return path are distinct channels within the same housing structure, ensuring reliable separation of phases without requiring external piping while maintaining structural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated evaporator-condenser housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the evaporator chamber, provides vapor transfer pathways, houses the condenser chamber, and facilitates liquid return pathways. This multi-functionality achieves reliable separate fluid paths without proportionally increasing structural complexity
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 integrated fluid transfer paths improve the reliability and efficiency of heat transfer, reducing the risk of leaks and failures, and maintaining electronic devices at desired operating temperatures without overheating.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid may undergo a phase change (e.g., the fluid may be vaporized from a liquid to a vapor)
Implementation Method 2
the amount of thermal energy (i.e., heat) associated with latent energy of a phase change is greater than a sensible heat of the fluid alone
Implementation Method 3
heat may be transferred from the fluid to the environment by way of the condenser such that the fluid condenses into a liquid in the condenser
Implementation Method 4
heat may be transferred from the fluid to the environment by way of the condenser
Implementation Method 5
capillary force, a pressure drop, or gravitational forces may be used to move the fluid through the cycle
Implementation Method 6
capillary force, a pressure drop, or gravitational forces may be used to move the fluid through the cycle
Implementation Method 7
capillary force, a pressure drop, or gravitational forces may be used to move the fluid through the cycle
Data Source
AI summary
Two phase heat transfer systems including integrated fluid transfer paths for exchange of a working fluid between an evaporator and condenser. Separate fluid transfer paths may be defined for communication of working fluid between the evaporator and condenser, wherein at least one of the fluid transfer paths is integrated with the evaporator and/or condenser. In one embodiment, both first and second fluid transfer paths are integrally provided to establish direct fluid communication between the evaporator and condenser to facilitate flow of vaporized and condensed working fluid respectively.