FAQ

+ Q: What is a heat pipe?

   A: A heat pipe is a device used to transfer heat between two surfaces, a heat source and a heat sink.

+ Q: How does a heat pipe function?

   A: Heat pipes are composed of a closed tube of metal with structures along the inner walls designed to draw the enclosed fluid back towards the end placed on a heat source. Heat pipes utilize vaporization, condensation, and capillary action to transfer the heat from the heat source to the heat sink and return the cooled fluid back to the heated end.

Figure 1. "Heat Pipe Model." Taken from Standard Heat Pipes MyHeatSinks. Author Unknown. 2019. https://myheatsinks.com/heat-pipe-solutions/standard-heat-pipes/

+ Q: Why are heat pipes used instead of _(other device for heat transfer)_?

   A: Heat pipes are a method of temperature regulation that requires no energy other than the heat extruded by the surface the heated end of the pipe is placed on. Due to the relative cheapness, they are used in many electronics and machines to redirect heat that may damage components into heat sinks where the heat is allowed to harmlessly dissipate into the environment.

+ Q: What are the limits of heat pipes?

   A: Due to the different properties of the materials present in a heat pipe, they must be manufactured with specific materials to meet specific requirements. Thanks to this, heat pipes perform optimally between specific heat ranges (dictated by the properties of the fluid, pipe material, and size among other factors). Outside of those ranges, the heat pipe's thermal conductivity is effectively reduced to the heat conduction properties of the pipe material.