Project Title:
09.05-2228
Novel Heat Pipe Systems
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
1360 Willow Road, Suite 103
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Richard W. Baker (415-328-2228)
GSFC -- NAS5-30281
Abstract:
The objective of this project was to demonstrate the feasibility of a new membrane-based
heat pipe concept in which the evaporator and condenser sections are connected by
vapor and liquid lines. In both the evaporator and condenser, the liquid and vapor
phases are separated by membranes that selectively permit only the vapor to pass
through them. Theoretical calculations show that this membrane heat pipe would have
a number of significant advantages over conventional heat pipes.
The membranes used in this project were asymmetric, composite materials. Modules
containing these membranes were installed into the evaporator and condenser sections
of a heat pipe system. Because the modules used in the heat pipe require different
properties than those employed in other membrane applications, their development
for this project required more time than originally planned. Furthermore, the task
of constructing airtight modules proved to be more tedious and time-consuming than
had been expected.
The heat pipe system was equipped with pressure and temperature gauges and a flowmeter
so that system parameters could be monitored and varied during testing. In the time
allowed for Phase I, the experiments verified that the evaporator module operates
in the desired manner; however, condensation occurs on the vapor side rather than
on the liquid side of the condenser module membrane. This problem and possible solutions
were evaluated in some detail.
Potential Commercial Application:
Potential Commercial Application: If successfully developed, the system could find
a wide application in aerospace thermal management applications and be extended for
use in industrial energy conservation systems.