Temperature actuated capillary valve for loop heat pipe system
First Claim
1. A method for controlling the flow of vapor-phase working fluid through a temperature-actuated capillary flow valve into a condenser in a two-phase heat transfer system having a working fluid with a liquid-phase and a vapor-phase, comprising:
- providing the temperature-actuated capillary flow valve having an inlet port, an outlet port, a housing extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, the housing defining a flow passage, and a porous wick material within the housing and extending across the flow passage;
introducing the vapor-phase working fluid into the inlet port of the capillary flow valve; and
controlling flow of the vapor-phase working fluid through the capillary flow valve by heating the housing to evaporate liquid-phase working fluid from the wick and allow the vapor-phase working fluid to pass from the inlet port through the wick to the outlet port, or by removing the heat source to allow the vapor-phase working fluid in the wick to condense and prevent flow of the vapor-phase working fluid from the inlet port through the wick to the outlet port.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A capillary flow valve for use in a two phase heat transfer system such as a loop heat pipe, including an inlet port for receiving working fluid in a vapor-phase, an outlet port for outputting working fluid in a vapor-phase, and a porous wick material extending across the interior of the valve. Heating the wick evaporates liquid-phase working fluid from the wick and allows the vapor-phase working fluid to pass through the wick to the outlet port. Removing the heat allows liquid to condense in the wick, preventing flow of the vapor-phase working fluid through the wick to the outlet port.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for controlling the flow of vapor-phase working fluid through a temperature-actuated capillary flow valve into a condenser in a two-phase heat transfer system having a working fluid with a liquid-phase and a vapor-phase, comprising:
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providing the temperature-actuated capillary flow valve having an inlet port, an outlet port, a housing extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, the housing defining a flow passage, and a porous wick material within the housing and extending across the flow passage; introducing the vapor-phase working fluid into the inlet port of the capillary flow valve; and controlling flow of the vapor-phase working fluid through the capillary flow valve by heating the housing to evaporate liquid-phase working fluid from the wick and allow the vapor-phase working fluid to pass from the inlet port through the wick to the outlet port, or by removing the heat source to allow the vapor-phase working fluid in the wick to condense and prevent flow of the vapor-phase working fluid from the inlet port through the wick to the outlet port. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification