Two-Phase Bidirectional Heat Exchanger

Abstract

Heat exchanger transfers heat from one two-phase thermal loop to another. Condenses vapor in one loop while evaporating liquid in other. Transfers heat with very small drops in temperature and pressure, and efficiently joins heat pipes thermally without mixing of their working fluids. Several such heat exchangers used to build long, complex multiloop heat-control systems. Exchanger bidirectional: transfers heat in reverse, condensing on normally evaporating side, and vice versa. Can warm equipment it normally cools, without using auxiliary heater. In reverse transfer, wicks on evaporating side supply liquid continuously by capillary action; reverse-flow pump not needed. Design modified for other working fluids and larger heat-transfer rates.