heatpipe

A heat pipe is a passive heat transfer device that utilizes the principles of evaporation and condensation to move thermal energy. It typically consists of a sealed tube, often made of copper or aluminum, containing a small amount of working fluid and a porous wick structure lining the inner wall. The working fluid is chosen for its favorable thermodynamic properties, such as a high latent heat of vaporization.

The operation of a heat pipe is a continuous cycle. One end of the heat pipe, the evaporator section, is exposed to a heat source. This heat causes the working fluid in the wick to evaporate, transforming into a vapor. The vapor, under its own pressure, then travels rapidly along the hollow core of the heat pipe towards the cooler end, the condenser section. At the condenser, the vapor releases its latent heat as it condenses back into a liquid, transferring the thermal energy to the surrounding environment or a heat sink.

The condensed liquid then returns to the evaporator section through the wick via capillary action, completing the cycle. This wick structure is crucial as it provides the necessary channels for the liquid to flow against gravity if needed. Heat pipes are highly efficient and can transfer heat at a much faster rate than solid conductors of the same size. Their lack of moving parts makes them reliable and maintenance-free, leading to their widespread use in applications ranging from cooling electronic components in computers and servers to thermal management systems in spacecraft and industrial equipment.