Variable Porosity Wick for Multi-Phase Evaporator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-phase thermal control systems face challenges in achieving efficient heat transfer and temperature stability due to limitations in phase management and porosity control in conventional wick elements, leading to increased thermal resistance and geometric constraints.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-phase evaporator with a vapor channel network, a porous wick element, and a fluid reservoir, where the wick element has variable porosity and is integrated into the evaporator body, allowing for enhanced heat transfer and phase separation, and the use of additive manufacturing techniques to create complex wick structures that conform to heat sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sintered metals with homogenous porosity are used as wick elements, then phase management is provided, but thermal resistance increases and geometric flexibility is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the porosity of the wick element across different regions. The wick element has a first porosity in a first region and a second porosity in a second region, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function: the first region with higher porosity facilitates vapor transport, while the second region with lower porosity provides better liquid wicking and thermal contact, thereby reducing overall thermal resistance while maintaining reliable phase management.
2Reliability
If conventional sintered metals with homogenous porosity are used as wick elements, then phase management is provided, but geometric design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality through spatially varying porosity in the wick element, where different regions have different porosity values optimized for their specific functions. This approach enables geometric design flexibility while maintaining phase management capability, as the porosity can be tailored to match the specific geometric requirements and thermal management needs of different regions within the heat transfer device.
3Productivity
If variable porosity wick elements are used, then heat transfer efficiency is improved and thermal resistance is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the porosity parameter across different regions of the wick element. This allows optimization of heat transfer efficiency and reduction of thermal resistance in critical regions while managing manufacturing complexity through controlled variation of the porosity parameter, which can be achieved through techniques like selective sintering or 3D printing with variable infill densities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by creating a wick element with spatially varying porosity, effectively combining regions of different material densities and thermal properties within a single component. This composite structure enables enhanced heat transfer efficiency and reduced thermal resistance while integrating multiple functional requirements into one manufacturable part.
4Temperature
If variable porosity wick elements are used, then isothermal surfaces are achieved and heat rejection efficiency is improved, but system manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality through spatially varying porosity in the wick element, where different regions have different porosity values optimized for their specific functions. This approach enables geometric design flexibility while maintaining phase management capability, as the porosity can be tailored to match the specific geometric requirements and thermal management needs of different regions within the heat transfer device.
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 configuration improves heat transfer efficiency, reduces thermal resistance, and allows for more flexible geometric designs, achieving isothermal surfaces and efficient heat rejection with reduced system mass and pumping power.
Implementation Method 1
capillary-based pumping for autonomous operation
Implementation Method 2
the elongated heat transfer elements and the outer heating surface are in thermal contact
Implementation Method 3
Multi-phase heat transfer relies on the proper management of liquid, vapor, and sometimes solid phases of the heat transfer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-phase thermal control systems, evaporators, variable porous wick elements, heat transfer structures, and methods for their production are provided. Two-phase evaporators for use in such multi-phase thermal control systems are also provided. Two-phase evaporators incorporate a vapor plate body having there three major layers: a vapor channel network, a wick, and a liquid channel. The vapor channel network comprises a plurality of extrusions (e.g., vapor pillars) and associated channels (e.g., vapor channels) configured to allow a vapor to flow therethrough. The wick comprises a porous body configured to be disposed between the vapor channel network of and the liquid flow reservoir.