Pulsating Heat Pipe Chamber Design for Anti-Gravity Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulsating heat pipes rely on gravity for operation and are limited in size and heat transfer capacity, making them unsuitable for large-area, high-power applications and anti-gravity scenarios, with existing solutions increasing manufacturing costs and design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pulsating heat pipe design featuring a channel plate with specific channel and chamber configurations, including first and second channels, passages, and a chamber with a hydraulic diameter that satisfies the condition Dh > 2σΔρg, allowing for capillary action and operation without a wick structure, enabling effective fluid circulation and heat transfer in various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pulsating heat pipes are designed to operate without gravity assistance (horizontal or top-heated applications), then the liquid must move against gravity, but the pulsating motion weakens and the working liquid becomes stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chamber dimension into the conventional pipe structure, creating a multi-dimensional flow path. The chamber allows liquid to accumulate and form a reservoir, enabling the liquid to be pushed into the chamber during pulsating motion and then return to the evaporation section when needed, even against gravity. This dimensional addition transforms the system from a simple linear pulsating pipe to a more complex structure that can handle anti-gravity operations.
2Force
If the inner diameter of the channel is made small to ensure large surface tension for vapor and liquid plug formation, then capillary action is enhanced, but the channel utilization is reduced and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the channel into multiple segments: narrow channels for generating vapor and liquid plugs, and a larger chamber for liquid accumulation and pulsating motion. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to have different diameter requirements - the narrow channels maintain high surface tension for plug formation, while the chamber provides sufficient volume for liquid storage and pulsating operation, thereby improving manufacturability without sacrificing capillary action.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple heat pipes are used to remove heat from a flat heat source, then heat dissipation coverage is improved, but the design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple heat pipe functions into a single integrated structure by incorporating multiple narrow channels and a shared chamber within one device. This allows the heat pipe to cover a larger area and handle multiple heat sources simultaneously while maintaining a unified design that simplifies installation and manufacturing compared to assembling multiple separate heat pipes.
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 design enhances thermal performance, allows operation under anti-gravity conditions, and reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, providing a more efficient and flexible heat transfer solution compared to conventional pulsating heat pipes.
Implementation Method 1
as heat is applied to the evaporation section, the working fluid begins to evaporate and which results in an increase of vapor pressure inside the pipe to cause the bubbles to push the liquid
Implementation Method 2
At the condenser section, the vapor pressure reduces and condensation of bubbles occurs
Implementation Method 3
the inner diameter of the channel of the pipe is small enough to ensure that the surface tension of the working fluid is large enough to form randomly distributed vapor and liquid plugs
Implementation Method 4
The chamber has a hydraulic diameter of Dh which satisfies the following condition: Dh > 2σ/(Δρg), wherein σ is surface tension, Δρ is difference in density between liquid and vapor, and g is gravitational acceleration
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a pulsating heat pipe including channel plate. The channel plate includes first surface, second surface, first channels, second channels, first passages, second passages, at least one chamber, and at least one third passage. The first channels and the chamber are formed on the first surface, the channels are formed on the second surface, and the first passages, the second passages, and the third passage penetrate through the first and second surfaces. The chamber has a closed end located opposite to the third passage and connected to at least one of the second channels via the third passage. The first and second channels are connected via the first and second passages. The chamber has a hydraulic diameter of Dh which satisfies the following condition:Dh>2σΔρg,wherein σ is surface tension, Δρ is difference in density between liquid and vapor, and g is gravitational acceleration.