Patent ID: 7431071
Filing Date: 2008-10-07
Classification: B01D,F28D,F28F

Abstract:
1. A heat transfer device for removing heat energy from a plurality of electronic components separated from one another, the heat transfer device comprising: a heat exchange structure containing a working fluid in a closed envelope defining an evaporator and a condenser that are coupled by a vapor line and a liquid return line to provide a circulating path for the working fluid, through vaporization of a liquid phase of the working fluid at the evaporator, condensation of a vapor phase of the working fluid at the condenser, and return of the working fluid from the condenser to the evaporator through said liquid return line; wherein the evaporator comprises a bottom wall having a first portion at least partially defining a reservoir, and second and third portions elevated with respect to the first portion and each at least partially defining a respective evaporation chamber adjacent the reservoir, the reservoir in flow communication with the liquid return line and positioned below a turret that defines a vapor accumulator arranged above said evaporation chambers that is in flow communication with said vapor line, the evaporation chambers separated by the reservoir, each of the second and third portions of the wall positioned for application of heat energy from distinct ones of the electronic components, and said two evaporation chambers commonly supplied with the liquid phase of the working fluid from the reservoir that is below said vapor accumulator; a wicking material on the second and third portions of the bottom wall, wherein the reservoir contains the liquid phase of the working fluid filled to a level that is disposed below said evaporation chambers, covering the first portion of the bottom wall with the liquid phase, and leaving the wicking material on the second and third portions of the bottom wall exposed directly to said evaporation chambers when the bottom wall is horizontally oriented, the wicking material on the second and third portions of the bottom wall extending into the reservoir such that the liquid phase of the working fluid is diffused by capillary action and flows up onto the second and third portions of the bottom wall.