Heat pipe working liquid distribution system.

摘要

A heat pipe system particularly adapted for use with finned evaporators (12). In accordance with this invention, a separate liquid working fluid return conduit (20) is provided which communicates with a liquid working fluid distribution means (24) for distributing working fluid uniformly to all of the evaporator fins. Means are also provided in accordance with this invention for storing excess liquid working fluid either as a column of liquid within the liquid return pipe which is developed by a flow restrictor (44), or by selecting a distribution wick from a material having low capillary pressure which enables it to become saturated with liquid working fluid.