Heat pipe, heat pipe system, and related method for long distance

Abstract

A heat pipe system and related method are disclosed for transporting vapor over long distances through the use of a heat pipe having no return pipe for return of the liquid condensate as traditionally associated with conventional heat pipes. The present subject matter also relates to a method involving the use of a working liquid vapor for the delivery of heat; an evaporator for the absorption of heat; an insulated partial vacuum-state conduit for delivery of the same to a condenser located a distance away, at which location the heat is utilized and the heat-laden vapor, condensed—without involving the use of a return pipe characteristic of conventional systems for the purpose of returning the working liquid condensate. Notably, elimination of the liquid condensate return pipe can help achieve increases in both the delivery speed of the heat-laden vapor and the overall distances involved with little loss in thermal efficiencies.

1 . A heat pipe system for long distance through which heat laden vapor can be transferred from a heat source to a heat sink without a return pipe of the liquid condensate, the system comprising:
 an evaporator at an evaporating unit which is kept supplied with a working liquid from an external source via an evaporating liquid supply system, wherein the working liquid undergoes a phase change to create latent heat laden vapor by receiving heat from a heat source outside;   a conduit of a transferring unit for connecting the evaporating unit and the condensing unit, and which delivers heat laden vapor over a distance to a condenser;   the condenser at the condensing unit which discharges the heat to an external heat sink and in the process creates a liquid condensate of the working liquid and discharges the liquid condensate externally via a condensation working fluid discharging unit;   a decompression vacuum device or vacuum pump for maintaining an internal pressure of the conduit of a transferring unit; and   a sensor unit for sensing changes in at least one of a temperature, pressure, and water level in each of the evaporator, the condenser, and working liquid discharge units installed along the conduit of the transferring unit, and for sending signals to the decompression vacuum device or vacuum pump, the evaporating liquid supply unit, the condensation working fluid discharging unit and the working liquid discharge units installed at points along conduit of the transferring unit.   
     
     
         2 . A method for using the heat pipe system according to  claim 1  by:
 creating latent heat laden vapor at an evaporating unit; 
 transporting the latent heat laden vapor over a distance spanning at least one kilometer; 
 receiving and condensing the vapor at the condensing unit to form a liquid condensate; and 
 discarding the liquid condensate.