Development of a Planar Heat Pipe for Cooling Large Capacity Batteries

摘要

A planar (rectangular cross section) heat pipe was fabricated and tested using electrical heaters to simulate battery waste heat. The device was constructed of 0.025 in. stainless steel, with two layers of 100-mesh stainless steel screen as a capillary wick; water was used as the working fluid. Transient and steady state response was investigated. External axial temperature profiles were measured for 5, 12, and 20 watts applied power; internal evaporator and condenser temperatures were also measured. Operation of the device was stable and repeatable within a temperature range of 50 to 180F; no temperature or pressure fluctuations were noted. (Author)