Miniature loop heat pipes with noninverted meniscus concept and treatment

Abstract

Miniature loop heat pipes (MLHP) use evaporators with inverted meniscus. This design requires using a capillary structure with relatively high thermal resistance to avoid vaporization in the compensation chamber. The MLHP with noninverted meniscus concept allows using a capillary structure with high thermal conductivity. Results of calculations based on the developed model have shown that the design of MLHP with noninverted meniscus provides more efficient heat exchange at evaporation compared to standard loop heat pipes. Experimental tests of manufactured MLHP with noninverted meniscus have shown that the internal thermal resistance of evaporators with noninverted meniscus is significantly less than the internal thermal resistance of evaporators with inverted meniscus.