Thermal transfer loop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pipes face limitations in transferring thermal energy over long distances and against gravity due to high thermal resistance and the need for wicks, which restrict their application and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wickless heat pipe system equipped with a magnetically coupled pump that drives the condensed working fluid back to the evaporator, allowing for efficient thermal energy transfer in any direction, including against gravity, without the need for capillary action.
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 thermal resistance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wick component from the heat pipe system entirely. Instead of using capillary action through a wick to return condensate, the invention employs a gravity-assisted thermosyphon mechanism where the condensate returns to the evaporator through a separate return conduit, eliminating the thermal resistance associated with wick materials while maintaining the ability to transfer heat in any direction
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe system is divided into separate functional components: an evaporator section, a condenser section, and a dedicated return conduit for condensate. This segmentation allows the condensate return path to be optimized independently from the heat transfer path, enabling efficient thermal performance without the compromises required by integrated wick structures
2Device complexity
If thermosiphons use gravity-assisted condensate return, then the structure is simple, but the heat pipe cannot transfer heat against gravity or in any direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate return conduit that provides an additional dimensional path for condensate flow, independent of the gravity-dependent vapor rise path. This allows the system to operate in various orientations and directions by providing dedicated pathways that are not constrained by gravitational direction, while maintaining overall structural simplicity
3Device complexity
If the motor is located inside the sealed circuit and physically connected to the pump, then the system can be simpler, but the risk of leakage increases and motor lifespan decreases due to cavitation wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the motor and the pump. The motor operates outside the sealed circuit while magnetically driving the pump through the sealed barrier, eliminating direct physical connections that could leak while still enabling power transmission to the pump without exposing it to cavitation damage from inside the circuit
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 system significantly enhances heat transfer capabilities, reduces manufacturing costs, and extends the lifespan of components, enabling efficient thermal management in various applications, including data centers and solar energy harvesting, while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the first heat exchanger transmits thermal energy to a working fluid in the first reservoir, thereby vapourising the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
condensing the vapourised working fluid in order that thermal energy is transmitted from the working fluid via the second heat exchanger to the heat sink
Implementation Method 3
driving the pump located inside the sealed circuit from outside the sealed circuit in order to return the condensed working fluid from the second end to the first end by pumping it along the return conduit
Implementation Method 4
the pump is driven by a motor located outside the sealed circuit and the pump is magnetically coupled to the motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
A heat pipe system (10) including a heat pipe (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16) for transferring working fluid from the first end to the second end, a first reservoir (22) in fluid communication with the first end for holding working fluid in liquid form, a first heat exchanger (18) at the first end for transmitting thermal energy from a heat source to working fluid in the first reservoir in order to vapourise the fluid, a second heat exchanger (20) at the second end for transmitting thermal energy from vapourised working fluid to a heat sink thereby condensing the fluid, a return conduit (26) for returning condensed working fluid from the second end to the first end and a pump (30) for pumping the condensed working fluid from the second end to the first end along the return conduit, where the heat pipe (12), the return conduit (26) and the first (22) reservoir form a hermetically sealed circuit, and where the pump (30) is located inside the sealed circuit and is configured to be driven from outside the sealed circuit. A method of transferring thermal energy using a heat pipe system is also disclosed.