The Usage and Types of Heat Pipes

Abst： This highly efficient device provides thermal solutions to consumers across the world. The following is a brief introduction of where heat pipes are used, how they benefit us, and what different types are available.

As far as we all know, a Heat Pipe is a heat transfer device which combines both thermal conductivity and phase transition to transfer heat between two solid interfaces functions.

Generally speaking, there are three main usages of heat pipes:

Electronic cooling: these pipes are used to cool transistors and high density semiconductors. These high performance components get heated very easily while these heat pipes cool down by transmitting cold air.

Aerospace: sate of the art satellites and outer space craft’s use these pipes as well. Shuttles are fitted with these pipes for better air density consumption.

Heat exchangers: they are generally found in factories and industrial power plants. Industries usually use heat pipes to transfer gas between heaters and boilers.

In addition, there are four main types of pipes available in the market:

Thermosyphon: this is a gravity assisted heat pipe. Gravity is used to condense water and evaporate it into vapor. The condenser is located above the evaporator in the gravity field. This helps for easy transmission of liquid.

Leading edge: this type of pipe is found in automobiles. It is specially designed for modern hypersonic vehicles. It increases air intake and gives you a better driving experience.

Rotating and revolving: these pipes provide thermal solutions through their rotating motors. They condense the returning vapor through the centrifugal force. Turbines and other electric machinery have these pipes.

Cryogenic: this is a low temperature heat pipe. It is very subtle and is used to cool optical instruments in space. It is a specially designed pipe that can sustain pressure even in space.

What is more, heat pipes have many advantages. First of all, they are excellent thermal conductors. Less temperature difference is needed to transport the heat as compared to other materials. Another thermal solution that it provides is low thermal resistance across all surfaces. Secondly, they can constantly condense heat and maintain a consistent level while the evaporator shuffles variable heat fluxes. Also, the evaporator and condenser temperature can be controlled through the effective usage of these pipes. A fixed temperature can be maintained which is ideal for heating water. Finally, the condenser and evaporator will use different areas to fit variable area spaces. High heat flux can be dissipated with low heat flux using natural convection.