Multi-Pressure Loop Heat Pipe Cooler for Thin-Layer Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loop heat pipes formed by laminating metal layers face challenges in achieving high heat transfer performance, particularly in reducing thickness while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
The cooler design incorporates multiple loop heat pipes with overlapping evaporators and condensers, differing internal pressures within the loop-shaped passages, and the use of porous bodies to enhance heat transfer and prevent pressure-related deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a loop heat pipe is formed by laminating a plurality of metal layers to reduce thickness, then the thickness of the loop heat pipe is reduced, but the heat transfer performance becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single loop heat pipe into multiple loop heat pipes (first, second, third loop heat pipes) with different internal pressures. Each loop heat pipe operates independently with optimized pressure levels (e.g., 0.1-10 atm for first, 10-100 atm for second, 100-1000 atm for third), allowing each segment to achieve optimal heat transfer performance without requiring increased thickness of individual layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure where multiple loop heat pipes with different pressure levels are integrated together. This composite approach combines the advantages of thin-layer construction with high heat transfer performance by leveraging the synergistic effect of multiple pressure zones, achieving both reduced thickness and improved heat transfer efficiency.
2Reliability
If multiple loop heat pipes with overlapping evaporators are used to improve heat transfer performance, then the heat transfer performance increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention arranges the loop heat pipes in a nested configuration where evaporators overlap in the plan view. The first, second, and third loop heat pipes are positioned such that their evaporators are superimposed, creating a compact nested structure. This nesting approach increases heat transfer performance by providing multiple heat transfer pathways while minimizing the increase in device footprint and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By arranging loop heat pipes in multiple layers with overlapping evaporators in the plan view, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension to increase heat transfer capacity without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby managing device complexity effectively.
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 improves heat transfer performance, reduces temperature rise in individual loop heat pipes, and allows for efficient heat dissipation across multiple condensers, widening the operating temperature range and preventing excessive pressure buildup.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator that vaporizes a working fluid by the heat of the heat-generating component
Implementation Method 2
a condenser that liquefies the vaporized working fluid
Implementation Method 3
the working fluid inside the liquid pipe is guided to the evaporator due to the capillary force generated in the porous body, to restrict the backflow of vapor from the evaporator to the liquid pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A cooler includes a plurality of loop heat pipes. Each of the plurality of loop heat pipes includes an evaporator that vaporizes a working fluid, a condenser that liquefies the working fluid, a liquid pipe that connects the evaporator and the condenser, and a vapor pipe that connects the evaporator and the condenser, and forms a loop-shaped passage together with the liquid pipe. Evaporators of the plurality of loop heat pipes overlap each other, and a pressure inside the loop-shaped passage is different among the plurality of loop heat pipes.