Heat pipes for use in a magnetic field
OwnerRichard W. Werner, Myron A. Hoffmaninventors
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Abstract
A heat pipe configuration for use in a magnetic field environment of a fusion reactor. Heat pipes for operation in a magnetic field when liquid metal working fluids are used are optimized by flattening of the heat pipes having an unobstructed annulus which significantly reduces the adverse side region effect of the prior known cylindrically configured heat pipes. The flattened heat pipes operating in a magnetic field can remove 2--3 times the heat as a cylindrical heat pipe of the same cross sectional area.
Claims10
A method for decreasing magnetic pressure drop and increasing heat removal of a heat pipe having at least a portion thereof positioned in a magnetic field perpendicular to the heat pipe, comprising the steps of:
- providing the heat pipe having a container and wick so as to have an elongated cross section, and positioning the heat pipe such that the smallest distance across the cross section is substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field.
A heat pipe in combination with a magnetic field perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat pipe, said heat pipe having a cross section wherein a first distance is greater than a second distance, said first distance being substantially parallel to said magnetic field, and said second distance being substantially perpendicular to said magnetic field, whereby magnetic pressure drop across said heat pipe is decreased while in the magnetic field.
In a magnetic confinement reactor having at least one heat pipe for transferring heat and positioned so that a longitudinal axis of the heat pipe is perpendicular to a magnetic field, the improvement comprising:
- a heat pipe constructed to decrease magnetic pressure drop thereacross and having a cross section with a first distance greater than a second distance, said first distance being substantially parallel to said magnetic field and said second distance being substantially perpendicular to said magnetic field, whereby a magnetic pressure drop across the heat pipe is decreased.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.