Abstract: A vaporization apparatus and related vaporization method is provided that relies on thermocapillary convection. The apparatus of a thermocapillary evaporator has three sections: an evaporation section, a displacement section, and a storage system for storing the liquid to be evaporated. The evaporation section is operable to distribute thermal energy substantially along the entire liquid-gas interface. The method of the present invention includes providing a thermocapillary evaporator. Advantageously, the present invention provides substantial evaporation from relatively low temperature heat sources, compared to conventional evaporators.

Abstract: A vaporization apparatus and related vaporization method is provided that relies on thermocapillary convection. The apparatus consists of a thermocapillary evaporator that has three sections: an evaporation section, a displacement section, and a storage system for storing the liquid to be evaporated. The evaporation section is operable to distribute thermal energy substantially along the entire liquid-gas interface. The method of the present invention consists of providing a thermocapillary evaporator that includes a storage system for the liquid to be evaporated. Advantageously, the present invention provides substantial evaporation from relatively low temperature heat sources, compared to conventional evaporators.