Lämpöputkiteknologia

Lämpöputkiteknologia refers to the technology and application of heat pipes. A heat pipe is a passive heat transfer device that uses a phase change process to transfer heat with very high efficiency. It consists of a sealed tube, typically made of metal, containing a small amount of working fluid. The working fluid is chosen based on the operating temperature range and can be water, ammonia, or other substances.

The operation of a heat pipe relies on a temperature difference. Heat applied to one end of the pipe, the evaporator, causes the working fluid to vaporize. This vapor travels rapidly along the pipe to the cooler end, the condenser, where it releases its latent heat and condenses back into a liquid. The liquid then returns to the evaporator end, either by gravity or through a wick structure lining the inside of the pipe, completing the cycle. This continuous evaporation and condensation process allows for efficient heat transport with minimal temperature drop.

Lämpöputkiteknologia finds applications in various fields, including cooling of electronics, solar thermal collectors, spacecraft thermal control, and industrial heat recovery. Its advantages include high thermal conductivity, reliability, no moving parts, and the ability to operate in any orientation (depending on the design). The simplicity and effectiveness of heat pipes make them a valuable component in thermal management systems.