Variable-Conductance Heat Pipe With Vapor Flow Restrictor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable-conductance heat pipes rely on non-condensable gases, which are difficult and costly to replicate accurately, making it cumbersome to achieve temperature-dependent heat transfer without them.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vapor flow restrictor, such as a baffle with an orifice, between the evaporator and condenser to vary vapor pressure and conductance based on temperature, eliminating the need for non-condensable gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-condensable gas is used to achieve variable conductance, then temperature-dependent heat transfer is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the non-condensable gas from the heat pipe system entirely. Instead of using gas to control vapor flow, the invention uses a vapor flow restrictor with an orifice that passively regulates vapor flow based on temperature-dependent pressure differentials, eliminating the need for gas filling and complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vapor flow restrictor with an orifice as an intermediary component between the evaporator and condenser. This restrictor mediates vapor flow by creating a flow resistance that responds to temperature changes, replacing the role previously played by non-condensable gas without requiring gas handling or precise filling
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-condensable gas passages are added adjacent to condenser, then variable conductance is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vapor flow restrictor functionality directly into the evaporator structure. The orifice is formed as part of the evaporator wall or as an integrated component, eliminating the need for separate passages adjacent to the condenser and simplifying the manufacturing process to a single integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The evaporator structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the heating surface and incorporates the vapor flow restrictor with the orifice. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate gas passages and simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of components and assembly steps
3Ease of manufacture
If vapor flow restrictor is used instead of non-condensable gas, then manufacturing ease improves, but device complexity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the heat pipe by using a vapor flow restrictor that responds to temperature-dependent pressure differentials. The orifice creates a flow resistance that automatically adjusts vapor flow rates based on temperature, providing variable conductance through physical parameter changes rather than chemical composition changes
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 allows for efficient heat transfer by maintaining a constant temperature of the heat source despite varying operating temperatures, as the vapor flow restrictor adjusts to high or low vapor pressures, optimizing heat pipe performance.
Implementation Method 1
the vapor flow restrictor can increase vapor pressure in at least a portion of the evaporator relative to vapor pressure in the condenser
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator for generating a vapor
Implementation Method 3
a condenser in fluid communication with the evaporator, wherein the vapor is received at the condenser, whereupon the vapor is condensed to form a liquid working fluid
Implementation Method 4
Capillary action returns the condensed working fluid to the evaporator section, thereby completing a cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A heat transfer device is provided for conducting heat from a heat source. The heat transfer device generally includes an evaporator for generating a vapor, a condenser in fluid communication with the evaporator, and a vapor flow restrictor interposed between the evaporator and the condenser, wherein the vapor flow restrictor can increase vapor pressure in at least a portion of the evaporator relative to vapor pressure in the condenser.