The heat pipe principle

■ Heat penetrates into the heat pipe by evaporation.

■ The working fluid vaporizes inducing a pressure gradient.

■ Vapour moves towards the condenser.

■ Heat goes out through the condenser.

■ The condensed fluid condenses, leaving its latent

vaporization heat.

■ The condensed fluid is then sent back via the pores of the

capillary network acting as a pump.

The use of heat pipes in thermal control experiences a quick growth due to :

■ The power density increase to dissipate in the electronics.

■ Even more restricted space.

■ Passive aspect of this cooling system.