Enhanced Surface Area Heat Pipe

Abstract

A sealed thermal cycle heat transferring device having areas of gross surface modification enabling efficiency enhancement through increased working fluid capacity and reduced conduction resistance while still retaining the net surface footprint. Certain embodiments of the present invention facilitate surface enhancement affecting condensing portions as well as evaporating portions. Thermal transfer performance remains adjustable well beyond conventional heat pipe apparatus by allowance of careful selection of surface enhancing parameters including diameter, depth, shape, amount, area and location of surface enhancement. Additional advantages may include the enhancement of mounting, attachment and enablement of thermally generating, dissipating or regulating components, devices, assemblies and any uses where the present invention may benefit thermal addition, subtraction, regulation and transfer.

1 . A thermal energy transfer apparatus comprising:
 a sealed enclosure,   fluid,   fluid conduction means;   and   at least one enhanced surface area heat transfer zone,   wherein the process of thermal transference is rendered more efficient.   
     
     
         2 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said enhanced surface area heat transfer zone being formed as a protruding area rising above or below the surface adjacent of said enhanced surface area heat transfer zone of said sealed enclosure. 
     
     
         3 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said enhanced surface area heat transfer zone being formed to a predetermined height or depth. 
     
     
         4 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said enhanced surface area heat transfer zone being formed to a predetermined outline. 
     
     
         5 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said enhanced surface area heat transfer zone being formed to a predetermined thickness. 
     
     
         6 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said fluid being selected from the group consisting of substances existing as a liquid at a predetermined energy state within said sealed enclosure. 
     
     
         7 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said fluid being selected from the group consisting of substances existing as a vapor at a predetermined energy state within said sealed enclosure. 
     
     
         8 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said fluid being selected from the group consisting of substances existing as a solid at a predetermined energy state within said sealed enclosure. 
     
     
         9 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said fluid conduction means further includes gravity assisted fluid conduction. 
     
     
         10 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said fluid conduction means further including selections from the group consisting of objects capable of capillary conduction. 
     
     
         11 . A thermal energy transfer apparatus comprising:
 An adjustably sealed enclosure,   fluid,   fluid conduction means;   and   at least one enhanced surface area heat transfer zone,   wherein the process of thermal transference is rendered more efficient.   
     
     
         12 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 11  wherein said enhanced surface area heat transfer zone being formed as a protruding area rising above or below the surface adjacent of said enhanced surface area heat transfer zone of said adjustably sealed enclosure. 
     
     
         13 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 11  wherein said enhanced surface area heat transfer zone being formed to a predetermined height or depth. 
     
     
         14 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 11  wherein said enhanced surface area heat transfer zone being formed to a predetermined outline. 
     
     
         15 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 11  wherein said enhanced surface area heat transfer zone being formed to a predetermined thickness. 
     
     
         16 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 11  wherein said fluid being selected from the group consisting of substances existing as a liquid at a predetermined energy state within said adjustably sealed enclosure. 
     
     
         17 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 11  wherein said fluid being selected from the group consisting of substances existing as a vapor at a predetermined energy state within said adjustably sealed enclosure. 
     
     
         18 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 11  wherein said fluid being selected from the group consisting of substances existing as a solid at a predetermined energy state within said adjustably sealed enclosure. 
     
     
         19 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 11  wherein said fluid conduction means further includes gravity assisted fluid conduction. 
     
     
         20 . The thermal energy transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 11  wherein said fluid conduction means further including selections from the group consisting of objects capable of capillary conduction.