Modular Evaporator-Reservoir Unit for Scalable Heat Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat loop technologies face high customization and low unification in manufacturing, leading to high costs and long delivery times, limiting their widespread adoption due to the need for custom evaporator designs and the inability to produce larger units effectively.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a modular evaporator-reservoir unit design that allows for flexible configurations with multiple evaporators and reservoirs connected via a secondary wick, enabling standardized and efficient thermal management systems with improved manufacturing scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom evaporator designs are used for each application, then thermal management performance is optimized, but manufacturing cost increases and delivery time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is divided into modular segments that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each module contains standardized components (wick, housing, ports) that can be produced through automated processes, while still allowing configuration variations to meet different thermal management requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular evaporator design creates universal building blocks that can serve multiple applications. By standardizing interfaces, port configurations, and wick structures, the same basic module can be adapted for different thermal loads and geometries through simple assembly variations rather than complete redesigns.
2Reliability
If custom evaporator designs are used for each application, then thermal management performance is optimized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is divided into modular segments that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each module contains standardized components (wick, housing, ports) that can be produced through automated processes, while still allowing configuration variations to meet different thermal management requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular evaporator design creates universal building blocks that can serve multiple applications. By standardizing interfaces, port configurations, and wick structures, the same basic module can be adapted for different thermal loads and geometries through simple assembly variations rather than complete redesigns.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional evaporator designs are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to create larger heat loop systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is divided into modular segments that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each module contains standardized components (wick, housing, ports) that can be produced through automated processes, while still allowing configuration variations to meet different thermal management requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple evaporator modules can be connected in series or parallel configurations to create larger heat loop systems. The standardized interfaces and common wick structure allow seamless integration of modules, enabling scalable thermal management solutions that can handle larger thermal loads or cover larger surface areas.
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 modular design reduces production costs, enhances flexibility, and allows for the creation of larger, more efficient heat loop systems, overcoming the limitations of traditional evaporator designs and enabling broader applications in thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
Condensed liquid returns back to the evaporator through the liquid line as a result of capillary pumping action developed by a microporous wick which is located in the evaporator. The wick provides necessary capillary potential to overcome all pressure losses during vapor and liquid circulation movement round the heat loop.
Implementation Method 2
Liquid evaporates in the evaporator. Generated vapor moves to condenser through the vapor line due to pressure drop, driven by positive temperature difference between the evaporator and condenser.
Implementation Method 3
Then heat is released in the condenser by means of vapor-liquid transition.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4a~4j
AI summary
The evaporator-reservoir modular unit for heat loops to cool at least one heat generating element comprises at least one evaporator (1) comprising an envelope (2) with a primary wick (4), wherein between the outer surface of the primary wick (4) and the inner surface of the envelope (2) is arranged at least one vapor collecting groove (6) connected to an evaporator outlet (12) arranged on the outer side surface of the evaporator (1), at least one reservoir (9), a single common secondary wick (5) joining with its outer surface the inner surface of the primary wick (4) and the at least one reservoir (9) and a single common central liquid channel (7) inside the secondary wick (5). The primary wick (4) has a hollow cylindrical shape with two seals (8) on surfaces of the primary wick (4). At least one evaporator (1) and at least one reservoir (9) are connected in a sequential order in a group of at least three elements, hydraulically linking them by means of the common secondary wick (5) and the central liquid channel (7).