Pumped Heat Pipe Loop for Long-Distance Thermal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pipe systems face limitations in transferring thermal energy in any direction and over long distances due to the constraints of capillary forces and thermal resistance, particularly when using wicks, which restrict their application and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat pipe system with a pump inside a hermetically sealed circuit that uses magnetic coupling to drive the condensed working fluid back to the evaporator, eliminating the need for a wick and allowing thermal energy transfer in any direction, including against gravity, with a pump driven from outside the sealed circuit to maintain a sealed and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wick is used to return condensate to the evaporator via capillary action, then the heat pipe can transfer heat in any direction including against gravity, but the system experiences large thermal resistance and limitations of capillary forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the wick component from the heat pipe system entirely. By eliminating the wick, the system avoids the thermal resistance and capillary force limitations that wicks impose, while still achieving condensate return through alternative means (gravity assistance in thermosiphons or external pumping in advanced configurations).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical capillary action mechanism (wick-based) with alternative mechanisms: either gravity-assisted flow in thermosiphons or externally driven pumping systems. This substitution eliminates the thermal resistance inherent in wick materials while maintaining the ability to return condensate to the evaporator.
2Device complexity
If thermosiphons are used for gravity-assisted condensate return, then the system is simpler, but the heat pipe is restricted to specific orientations and cannot transfer heat in any direction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic control elements (pumps, valves, sensors) that allow the heat pipe system to adapt its operation based on orientation and operating conditions. This enables the system to maintain effectiveness across various orientations and directions, transforming a static, orientation-dependent thermosiphon into a dynamically adjustable heat transfer system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal heat pipe system that can function effectively in any orientation or direction by incorporating controllable condensate return mechanisms. The system can switch between different operating modes (gravity-assisted, pump-driven, or a combination) to maintain optimal performance regardless of installation orientation.
3Reliability
If the pump is located inside the sealed circuit, then the system can maintain hermetic sealing, but the motor would be subjected to wear from cavitation and potential leakage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pump system into two separate parts: the pump body (with impeller) remains inside the hermetically sealed heat pipe circuit, while the motor is located outside the sealed circuit. This segmentation allows the motor to be protected from cavitation damage and leakage risks, while the pump continues to provide hermetic sealing within the circuit. The two parts are connected through a sealed interface or magnetic coupling mechanism.
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 solution enables the heat pipe system to transfer thermal energy over significantly larger distances and with lower thermal resistance, reducing manufacturing costs and increasing lifespan, while providing efficient energy management solutions in various applications, including building cooling and industrial-scale heat recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger at the first end for transmitting thermal energy from a heat source to working fluid in the first reservoir in order to vaporize said fluid
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger at the second end for transmitting thermal energy from vaporized working fluid to a heat sink thereby condensing said fluid
Implementation Method 3
a pump for pumping the condensed working fluid from the second end to the first end along the return conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pipe system including a heat pipe having a first end and a second end for transferring working fluid from the first to the second end, a first reservoir in fluid communication with the first end for holding working fluid in liquid form, a first heat exchanger for transmitting thermal energy from a heat source to working fluid in the first reservoir to vaporize the fluid, a second heat exchanger for transmitting thermal energy from vaporized working fluid to a heat sink thereby condensing the fluid, a return conduit and a pump for pumping the condensed working fluid along the return conduit, where the heat pipe, the return conduit and the first reservoir form a hermetically sealed circuit. A method of transferring thermal energy using a heat pipe system is also disclosed.