Vapor-Based Heat Transfer Apparatus

Abstract

A vapor-based heat transfer apparatus comprising a hollow structure and a working liquid within the hollow structure, wherein the structure is made of a thermally conductive polymer. In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a vapor chamber. In some other embodiments, the apparatus comprises a vapor chamber, heat pipe and a heat sink.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A vapor-based heat transfer apparatus, comprising:
 a hollow structure made of a thermally conductive polymer; and   a working liquid within said hollow structure.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said thermally conductive polymer is a high conductivity plastic. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said hollow structure comprises inner walls covered, at least in part, with a hermetic layer. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said hollow structure comprises inner walls covered, at least in part, with a pure polymer material or an epoxy layer. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising one or more extended structures configured to dissipate heat from said apparatus to an ambient environment, said extended structure having a hollow interior space at least in a portion thereof and comprising an inner surface within said interior space, said surface presenting a hydrophobic property. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising one or more extended structures configured to dissipate heat from said apparatus to an ambient environment, said extended structure having a hollow interior space at least in a portion thereof and comprising an inner surface within said interior space, said surface presenting a hydrophilic property. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising an internal element configured to provide rigidity to said structure of said apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising an internal element configured to direct a direction of said flow of said liquid condensate. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said thermally conductive material comprises at least one metal insert. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising a wick structure soldered or bonded to said at least one metal insert. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 10  wherein said wick structure comprises:
 a first portion made of a porous structure; and 
 a second portion having grooves. 
 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a wick structure made of plastic material particles. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said hollow structure is operable to act as a vapor chamber. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a vapor chamber; and   a heat sink, at least a portion said heat sink comprising a conductive polymer material.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a heat pipe.