Abstract: A micro channel heat pipe and method of fabrication are disclosed. The micro channel heat pipe includes a wire cloth wick having micro capillary channels formed by a corrugation extrusion process. The wick is inserted into the heat pipe housing in a shrink fit, enhancing heat transfer. The porous nature of the wire cloth wick permits free passage of the working fluid within both the closed and open micro capillary channels, doubling the number of micro capillary channels available for heat transference.

Abstract: A passively cooled electromechanical actuator is disclosed. The passively cooled electromechanical actuator includes a rotor having an output shaft rotatably received within a stator. A pair of inner supports connect the stator to a pair of mounting platforms. The mounting platforms are attached to the inner surfaces of an aircraft wing and are in thermal communication therewith. A pair of closed, capillary tube thermosyphons containing a working fluid are in thermal communication with the stator, the inner supports and the mounting platforms. During operation, the thermosyphons receive heat from the stator and transport it to the mounting platforms whereupon it is convected or radiated to the atmosphere from the aircraft wings. The inner supports have a phase change material received within for providing temporary thermal energy storage during transient conditions.

Abstract: A corrugated fin heat pipe and method of fabrication. The micro channel heat pipe includes a tubular housing split longitudinally into two halves. A pair of corrugated fin elements defining a plurality of adjacent closed and open micro capillary channels are attached to the inner surface of the housing halves. Material is removed from the closed micro capillary channels along a portion of the longitudinal axis to create regions consisting entirely of open micro capillary channels, maximizing heat flux in those regions. The housing halves are reattached and the heat pipe housing is enclosed by a pair of end caps.

Abstract: A new system for removing heat energy from the rotor of a rotating electrical machine is disclosed. Rotating electrical machines include electric motors, electric generators and the like. The cooling system includes the prior art components of an integral heat pipe rotor shaft, that is, a hollow rotor shaft in which an inner cavity is filled with a suitable working fluid to make an integral heat pipe for removing heat from the rotor. The heat pipe includes an evaporator section inside the rotor and a condenser section extending outside the rotor and the electrical machine housing. The present invention adds a spray chamber surrounding the condenser section. The spray chamber is integrated with the electrical machine housing. Liquid coolant enters the spray chamber and is sprayed through nozzles onto the condenser section to remove the heat transferred from the rotor. The liquid coolant may be routed through a preheater before entering the spray chamber.

Abstract: A rotor structure for an electrical generator, motor or the like is described which comprises a rotatable generally cylindrically shaped heat pipe defining an internal vapor chamber having an evaporator end and a condenser end, a plurality of radial fins regularly spaced on the periphery of the heat pipe, each fin defining an internal chamber communicating with and extending radially from the vapor chamber, a vaporizable liquid disposed within said heat pipe, and a heat exchanger in thermal contact with the condenser end of the heat pipe.