Flexible Graphite Thermal Management Devices

Abstract

The invention provides to thermal management devices constructed from flexible graphite. In one embodiment, the thermal management device includes a wick structure inside a shell. In certain preferred embodiments, the wick structure is composed of a mass of expanded graphite. In a another embodiment, the shell of the device includes flexible graphite and an optional wick structure. In certain preferred embodiments, the flexible graphite shell is fluid impermeable. The invention further includes methods of making the aforementioned thermal management devices.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to thermal management devices, and more particularly, to such devices, which include flexible graphite and methods of making such devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Thermal management devices, such as heat pipes, are devices which are known in the art of heat transfer. A heat pipe is essentially a closed system of heat transfer in which a small amount of liquid within a sealed and evacuated enclosure is cycled through an evaporation and condensation cycle. Heat entering the enclosure at one location on the casing evaporates liquid at that location, producing vapor, which moves to a cooler location on the casing where it is condensed. The movement of the vapor is motivated by a small vapor pressure differential between the evaporator and the condenser locations. The heat transfer is accomplished when the heat of vaporization, which produces the vapor, is essentially moved with the vapor to the condenser location where it is give...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]Thermal management devices of the present invention have many advantages when compared to their conventional counterparts, some of which include excellent weight, acceptable rigidity, and satisfactory thermal conductivity. Moreover, the wick structure of the inventive device also has improved corrosion resistance as compared to conventional wicking material.

Problems solved by technology

However, there are applications for which the conventional heat pipe structure is not satisfactory.

Metal casings and metal wicks add weight, rigidity, and electrical conductivity to heat pipes, but that makes them unusable in some situations.

In such applications, weight and space are extremely critical factors.

Furthermore, the costs of metal casings and sintered wicks are disadvantaged in the highly competitive market of portable computers.

Furthermore, wick components from conventional materials are not resistant to corrosion.

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