HEATPIPE TECHNOLOGY

HEATPIPE HEATSINK

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Heatpipe Heatsink

What is a Heatpipe Heatsink?

A Heatpipe is a sealed copper tube that is under vacuum, and can transfer heat rapidly away from the source. The High thermal conductivity enables a heat pipe to transfer, and dissipate heat to a more convenient location through a capillary action. This effect is similar to placing a paper towel in coffee, and watching the fluid rise up the paper towel. Heat pipes are available in various shapes and sizes.. The can be flat or round, and can be formed to fit most contours.

We are a leading heatpipe heatsink manufacturer with years of experience designing and producing high-quality cooling systems for electronic devices. 

COPPER HEATPIPE HEATSINK

A copper heat pipe heatsink is a cooling device used in electronic devices to dissipate heat generated by the components. Heat pipes are made of copper because their high thermal conductivity allows for efficient heat transfer. A heat pipe heatsink is a sealed copper pipe with a small amount of working fluid inside. When the heat from the electronic component is applied to one end of the heat pipe, the working fluid evaporates and travels to the other end, where it condenses and releases the heat. This process allows for effective heat dissipation and helps to prevent overheating of the electronic device. Copper heat pipe heatsinks are widely used in various applications, including computers, laptops, and other electronic devices.

Heatpipe Uses

The use of a heatpipe for thermal management is a proven and widely applied technology. The modern concept of a capillary driven heat pipe was first invented by General Motors in 1962. NASA later adapted and further developed this concept. Heatpipes have become commonplace in some of today’s electronics systems. Computers, pipes along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, nuclear reactors, heat-sensitive electronics aboard satellites and the International Space Station, all rely on heat pipes to manage thermal output effectively.

Heatpipe Construction

Heatpipe construction

A heatpipe heatpipe is constructed using a metal tube that is sealed under a partial vacuum. Inside the copper heatpipe is an inner wick lining that acts as a capillary material for a small amount of fluid. As heat is applied to the heatpipe surface in the evaporator region the fluid is heated and as it is under a vacuum it is easier to change it into a vapor. This phase change from a fluid to vapor creates pressure. As pressure increases the vapor will naturally flow into the cooler section of the heatpipe. Heat is then released as the vapor condenses back into a fluid. The fluid will then flow back into the warm region, where the cycle will repeat while heat is applied to the that section.

Heatpipe

Many fluids can be used in heatpipes as the phase transition. In most applications, de-ionized water is selected as the working fluid due to its high latent heat, surface tension, thermal conductivity and boiling temperature. The negative pressure of the vacuum within heat pipes allows the water to boil and turn into steam at lower temperatures than normal. The internal wick can vary depending upon the application and orientation of the cooling device. The three most common methods are:

  • Grooved – Low Cost, does not work well against gravity
  • Wire Mesh – Most common method
  • Sintered – Highest performance and cost

Heatpipe Examples

Heatpipe Heatsink

In this example a heatpipe was embedded into a heatsink so that the heat could be spread uniformly.

heatsink with heatpipes

In this example the heatpipe and heatsink were nickel plated.

Heatpipe Heatsink

Heat-pipe integrated radiator

Heatpipe Heatsink

Extruded heatsink with integrated copper heat-pipes

Benefits of Heatsink Heatpipes

Heatpipe heatsinks are an effective cooling solution that can quickly and efficiently dissipate heat from electronic devices. Our heatpipe heatsinks are made from high-quality materials and designed to provide maximum thermal performance. Some of the benefits of using our heatpipe heatsinks include the following:

  • Improved Performance – Our heatpipe heatsinks can improve electronic device performance by reducing the temperature of critical components.
  • Increased Reliability – By reducing the temperature of electronic components, our heatpipe heatsinks can help increase the reliability and lifespan of devices.
  • Quiet Operation – Our heatpipe heatsinks are designed to operate quietly, making them ideal for use in noise-sensitive environments.
  • Energy Efficiency – Our heatpipe heatsinks can help reduce energy consumption by improving the thermal efficiency of electronic devices.

Custom Heatsink Heatpipes

In addition to our standard heatpipe heatsinks, we also offer custom designs to meet the specific requirements of our clients. Our team of experienced engineers can work with you to develop a customized heatpipe heatsink that meets your exact needs.

For more details, get in touch with us today!

Custom Designs

Rapid Prototyping

Many Coatings

HOW WE CONTROL HEAT