Non-Uniform Heat Pipe Geometry for Higher Heat Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pipes with uniform cross-sections face challenges in efficiently transferring heat due to increased length and weight, which complicates integration and reduces heat transport capability, especially in complex three-dimensional geometries found in communication satellites.
Innovation Solution
The use of additive manufacturing to create heat pipes with non-uniform cross-sections and tailored protrusions, allowing for optimized groove dimensions and shapes along the length, reducing pressure drops and enhancing heat transport capacity while minimizing length and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the length of the heat pipe is increased to accommodate complex three-dimensional geometry, then the heat pipe can connect source and sink locations, but the heat transport capability decreases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe implements non-uniform cross-sectional area along its length, with larger cross-sections at bends and connections to accommodate complex geometry, and smaller cross-sections in straight sections to minimize weight and maintain heat transport capability. This local variation in geometry allows the heat pipe to adapt to three-dimensional source and sink locations while preserving thermal performance where needed.
2Reliability
If the cross-sectional area of the heat pipe is increased to increase heat load, then heat transport capability improves, but the heat pipe becomes larger and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe cross-sectional area is varied along its length to match local heat transport requirements. Larger cross-sections are positioned at bends and connection points where geometry accommodation is critical, while smaller cross-sections are used in straight sections where heat transport demands are lower, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining necessary heat transport capability.
3Reliability
If mounting flanges are machined following extrusion, then welds or joints are avoided, but additional manufacturing steps and time are added
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting flanges are integrated directly into the extrusion process, forming a monolithic structure with the heat pipe body. This merging of the flange manufacturing into the extrusion process eliminates the need for separate machining or welding operations, reducing manufacturing steps and time while maintaining joint integrity through the continuous material structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the heat pipe is bent into three-dimensional shapes to accommodate source and sink locations, then geometry accommodation improves, but volume increases and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe employs non-uniform cross-sectional area with larger sections concentrated at bend locations and connections, allowing three-dimensional shaping to accommodate source and sink locations. The reduced cross-section in straight portions minimizes overall volume, enabling compact integration while maintaining the necessary geometric flexibility for complex installations.
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 approach results in heat pipes with improved heat transport capabilities, reduced mass, and simplified integration, enabling efficient heat transfer in complex geometries without the need for extensive bending, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid within the heat pipe vaporizes due to heat from the heat source
Implementation Method 2
The vapor travels to the heat sink and condenses into a liquid
Implementation Method 3
The condensed liquid travels back to the heat source through grooves formed by protrusions within the heat pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A heat pipe (101) comprises a tube (112) and protrusions (114). The tube (112) has an internal surface (116), an external surface (118), and a length (120) running from a first end (122) to a second end (124). The protrusions (114) are on the internal surface (116). A first cross-section (156) of the protrusions (114) at a first location of the length (120) of the tube (112) is different from a second cross-section (158) of the protrusions (114) at a second location of the length (120) of the tube (112). The tube (112) and the protrusions (114) are monolithic (125).