Segmented Porous Structure Heat Pipe for High Heat Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat transfer devices face limitations in maximizing heat transfer due to the trade-off between liquid pressure drop and capillary pressure, and are not suitable for mass production with uniform pore sizes, leading to restricted heat load and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer device with a porous structure comprising segments of varying effective pore sizes, where the intermediate segment has a larger pore size than the evaporation segment and a smaller pore size than the condensation segment, enhancing capillary pressure and reducing liquid pressure drop, allowing for increased heat load and efficient manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the porous structure has uniform pore size from evaporation region to condensation region, then the device is suitable for mass production, but the maximum transferrable heat load is limited due to trade-off between pressure drop and capillary pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different pore sizes in different regions of the porous structure. The evaporation region has smaller pores to generate high capillary pressure, while the condensation region has larger pores to reduce liquid pressure drop. This spatial variation in pore size allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between uniform manufacturing and performance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous structure is segmented into multiple regions with different pore characteristics. The patent divides the structure into an evaporation region with finer pores and a condensation region with coarser pores, separated by a transition zone. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region's pore size to meet different functional requirements while maintaining manufacturability through standardized segment assembly.
2Power
If the pore size is made larger to reduce liquid pressure drop, then more heat load can be transferred, but the capillary pressure generated decreases, limiting liquid flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality - using smaller pores in the evaporation region where high capillary pressure is needed to drive liquid flow, and larger pores in the condensation region where low pressure drop is needed to accommodate high heat loads. Each region's pore size is locally optimized for its specific function rather than using a uniform size throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous structure is segmented into functional zones with different pore sizes. The evaporation segment uses fine pores for capillary action, while the condensation segment uses coarse pores for high flow capacity. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high capillary pressure and low pressure drop by distributing different pore sizes to different segments.
3Power
If a continuously varying pore size is used to optimize heat transfer, then both high capillary pressure and low pressure drop can be achieved, but the manufacturing becomes expensive and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously varying pore sizes, the patent segments the porous structure into discrete regions with distinct pore size ranges. This segmentation approach maintains the performance benefits of non-uniform pore distribution while enabling standardized manufacturing processes. Each segment can be produced using conventional techniques and then assembled, avoiding the complexity and cost of continuous pore size variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by defining specific pore size ranges for specific regions (evaporation, transition, condensation) rather than continuous variation. This allows each region to be manufactured with controlled pore characteristics using standard techniques, maintaining reliability and cost-effectiveness while achieving the performance benefits of non-uniform pore distribution.
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 device achieves a higher maximum transferrable heat load with reduced thermal resistance and is suitable for mass production, maintaining reliability and efficiency across different operational configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a porous structure surrounding the vapor channel... the porous structure that generates a capillary pressure
Implementation Method 2
the fluid evaporates to a vapor phase near the heat source and then condenses to a liquid phase near the heat sink
Implementation Method 3
the fluid evaporates to a vapor phase near the heat source and then condenses to a liquid phase near the heat sink
Implementation Method 4
A heat transfer device, for example a heat pipe, comprises an evaporation region and a condensation region
Data Source
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AI summary
An efficient heat transfer device that can he suitable for mass production is proposed. The heat transfer device comprises: - an evaporation region. - a condensation region. - a vapor channel extending from the evaporation region to the condensation region, and - a porous structure extending from the condensation region to the evaporation region. The porous structure comprises a sequence of segments including at least i) a first segment in the evaporation region and it) a second segment in the condensation region. The first segment has a first effective pore size, and the second segment has a second effective pore size that is larger than the first effective pore size. A method for manufacturing a heat transfer device is also disclosed.