Designing a Heat Pipe - The Basics - By: Sharp

Heat pipes are relatively basic in function, but offer opportunities to develop system that improve performance, reliability and cost-effectiveness. From satellite thermal controls to thermal water heating, heat pipe manufacturers develop products that can be used in a wide array of applications. Heat pipes, in general, can be broken down into rather simplistic components that form the basic foundation of their design. The casing, internal fluid and optional wick form the essential components to understanding the fundamentals of a heat pipe vessel.

Heat Pipe Casing
The outer portion of a heat pipe is the casing. Due to the enormity of heat pipe uses, the material used for the outside casing differs depending on the heat pipe’s specific application. The most common materials used include aluminum and copper because of their awesome abilities to conduct heat. However, other porous metals that are used include nickel, stainless steel, niobium, zirconium, tantalum and tungsten.

Heat Pipe Fluids
Throughout the heat pipe manufacturing process, all of the air within the casing is removed and is injected with a specific fluid. The purpose of the fluid, in layman’s terms, is to “transport” heat from the hot end of the pipe to the cool end so it can be released. The fluid used within a heat pipe continually changes state, from when it evaporates when hot to when it condensates when cool. When the liquid begins to condensate, it defines the phase of the process in which heat is actually released. Depending on the exposure to specific environments and temperatures, the fluids used within a heat pipe include water, methanol, ethanol, cesium, potassium, sodium, or lithium.

Heat Pipe Wick
When the fluid within a heat pipe evaporates, it moves along the vapor cavity located within the center of the vessel. Upon condensation, the fluid then travels back to the heat source as a liquid along the internal sides of the heat pipe. In heat pipe applications where gravity does not exist, such as in satellite thermal controls, a wick may be used to exert force against the liquid to return to the heat source. Wicks used in heat pipes are most commonly composed of either grooved tubing, screen mesh or sintered powder.

Although relatively basic in function, heat pipe manufacturers can be develop intricate systems that can often be overwhelming to the average individual. Understanding the basic construction and components of a heat pipe can lead to a greater understanding of the fundamentals of this technology’s scientific principles. Working conjunctively, the three main elements listed in this article form the basic design of a heat pipe device.

About the Author

Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) is a premier thermal management solutions company. Under our ISO9001 and AS9100 certifications, we design and manufacture products for diverse applications including satellite thermal control, commercial/military electronics cooling and temperature calibration.

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