Transverse header heat pipe

A novel variable-conductance heat-pipe approach has been developed that delivers high-capacity loads, while eliminating the problem of artery gas blockage present in conventional designs. The unit, known as a transverse header, uses ammonia as the working fluid and nitrogen as the control gas. Its overall cylindrical shape is 5.1 cm in diameter by 0.61 m long. Under test with a fluid heat source, the maximum load achieved as a VCHP was 3,600W. As with conventional gas-loaded pipes, good temperature control was also obtained. An application of this device as a VCHP header for a heat-pipe radiator is described.-