Patent ID: 6230790
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: B64G,F28D,H01Q,H05K

Abstract:
A thermal management system comprising:a honeycomb structure for supporting at least a first heat source, said honeycomb structure having first and second surfaces defining a first thickness of said honeycomb structure, wherein said first heat source is interconnectable to said first surface; andat least a first heat pipe embedded within said honeycomb structure, said first heat pipe comprising a variable conductance heat pipe having first and second end portions locatable proximate said first and second surfaces of said honeycomb structure, respectively, said variable conductive heat pipe being adapted to transfer heat energy from at least said first heat source supported by said honeycomb structure toward said second surface of said honeycomb structure in a first mode of operation, and to inhibit the transfer of heat energy from said first heat source supported by said honeycomb structure to said second surface of said honeycomb structure in a second mode of operation, wherein said first and said second end portions are non-coplanar, such that said first end portion is vertically offset relative to said second end portion, said first and second end portions being embedded with said honeycomb structure, wherein an intermediate portion extending between said first and second end portions is embedded within said honeycomb structure.