Abstract: A method and apparatus of supplying humid air to a fuel cell is disclosed. The extremely high thermal conductivity of some graphite foams lends itself to enhance significantly the ability to humidify supply air for a fuel cell. By utilizing a high conductivity pitch-derived graphite foam, thermal conductivity being as high as 187 W/m·K, the heat from the heat source is more efficiently transferred to the water for evaporation, thus the system does not cool significantly due to the evaporation of the water and, consequently, the air reaches a higher humidity ratio.

Abstract: A method for making a quasi-incompressible phase-change material (PCM) having low thermal conductivity includes combining with a phase-change material (PCM) in liquid state a thickening agent selected to reduce significantly thermal convection, the formed material having, depending on the combinations performed, a gelled structure or a colloidal dispersed system. The PCM may be a mixture of chemical compounds of the family of alkanes, paraffins, waxes, fatty alcohols, fatty acids and the like, and the thickening agent may be organic (aromatic ureas), organometallic (alkaline or alkaline earth soaps) or purely inorganic (silica, silico-aluminates such as bentonite made oleophilic). The material is useful for thermal isolation of containers or pipes, and in particular for thermal insulation of hydrocarbon carrying pipes.

Abstract: A heat transfer regulating mixture having a metallic component A with a melting point TA and a particulate ceramic component B which is non-wettable by the metallic component A, non-reactive therewith and which has a melting temperature TB which is higher than both the temperature TA and a desired operating temperature TD which is also higher than TA. The metallic component A and the particulate ceramic component B and the respective amounts will typically be selected to have a higher thermal resistivity below TA than above TA. The heat transfer regulating mixture may be incorporated in a thermal flux regulator having the mixture within an enclosure surrounding a heat generating reactor structure.

Abstract: A temperature controller module for electronically controlling the temperature of a device, such as a pump laser or laser diode, controls the device temperature based on low heat dissipation inductors and current sources. The temperature controller module shuts off the thermoelectric cooler when the temperature of the laser exceeds a predetermined amount. Further, the temperature controller module is integrated in a compact, self-contained modular form to allow use in space critical applications.

Abstract: A heat pump and hydrogen compression apparatus includes a heat exchange chamber through which a heating medium source circulates, a pair of hydrogen chambers formed on both sides of the heat exchange chamber, and hydrogen storage alloy pipe groups, one end portion of which imports into the pair of hydrogen chambers, and whose other end portion extends in a free state into the heat exchange chamber, and that form a pair whose one end portions that are on the side of the pair of hydrogen chambers are each fixed on that side, wherein the hydrogen storage alloy pipe groups have hydrogen storage alloy pipes provided a hydrogen storage alloy inside, the free end portion on the heat exchange chamber side of the hydrogen storage alloy pipe is closed off, and hydrogen circulation holes are opened in the end portions on the hydrogen chamber sides of the hydrogen storage alloy pipe.

Abstract: A heat transfer medium is shown, having a very high heat transfer rate that is simple in structure, easy to make, environmentally sound, rapidly conducts heat, and preserves heat in a highly efficient manner. Also shown is a heat transfer surface and a heat transfer element utilizing the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A novel visible light curable composition for forming a thermally conductive interface and a method of using the same is provided. The composition is used to promote the transfer of heat from a source of heat such as an electronic device to a heat dissipation device such as a heat sink. The composition includes an elastomeric base matrix containing a light curable catalyst, loaded with a thermally conductive filler material such as boron nitride grains or ceramic filler. After the compound is prepared, it is screen or stencil printed onto the desired surface and cured by exposure to visible light. The thermal interface is bonded to the desired surface and has sufficient compressibility to allow it to overcome the voids in the mating surface to which the assembly is mounted.

Abstract: A heat softening thermally conductive composition comprises: a matrix comprising a silicone resin, and a thermally conductive filler. The composition can be used as a thermal interface material in electronic devices. The composition is formulated to have any desired softening temperature.

Abstract: A composition and method for enhancing the thermal conductivity in heat transfer systems. The composition comprises a powder having average particle sizes in the nanometer to micron size range, a coating for imparting corrosion resistance and/or acting as a dispersant, and a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium is selected from the group of interpolymers, polymers, gaseous and liquid fluids, and phase change materials. Suitable powders include metals and metal oxides, alloys or blends thereof, and carbon derivatives. The surface of the powder is modified by surface complexes or physical adsorption with a coating compound. The coated powder, when mixed with a heat transfer medium, forms a colloidal dispersion which exhibits enhanced heat transfer capacity and thermal conductivity, stable chemical composition, faster heat transfer rates, and dispersion maintenance which are beneficial to most heat transfer systems.

Abstract: A heat pipe heat spreader is provided having a substantially L-shaped enclosure with an internal surface and a plurality of post projecting from the surface. A working fluid is disposed within the enclosure, and a grooved wick is formed on at least a portion of the internal surface. The grooved wick includes a plurality of individual particles having an average diameter, and including at least two lands that are in fluid communication with one another through a particle layer disposed between the at least two lands that comprises less than about six average particle diameters. A method for making a grooved heat pipe wick on an inside surface of a heat pipe container a layer of sintered powder between adjacent grooves that comprises no more than about six average particle diameters.

Abstract: Heat exchangers utilizing flat surfaced passages to contact, contain and utilize fluidized small solid particles is provided. Top and bottom woven wire mesh or perforated sheet corrugated with rounded or flat-sided ridges are attached to respective top and bottom sides of said passage to increase its surface and to prevent said small solid particles from exiting said heat exchanger. A variety of shapes of the small solid particles are provided to further enhance the heat transfer rate. More energy efficient systems of all kinds will result from the use of these smaller heat exchangers.

Abstract: A heat exchange or mass transfer column in which the packing bed is formed from individual packing layers wherein the sheet metal plates of the packing have different thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powdered mix of a phase change material blend. The blend includes a polar phase change material bound substantially to at least one surface of a clay matrix having a surface charge, wherein the blend is present in a powdered form at temperatures above and below the phase change temperature of the polar phase change material. The present invention also relates to a method of making the powdered mix of a phase change material blend and a therapy pack including the powdered mix of a phase change material blend.

Abstract: An enhanced conductivity nanocomposite having reduced conductivity path directionality dependence as a means for enhancing the electrical and thermal conductivity. The composition comprises a synergistic blend of metal (and their derivatives) and carbon (preferably nanotubes) powder both average particle sizes in the nanometer to micron size range. The carrier medium is selected from the group of interpolymers, polymers, gaseous and liquid fluids, and phase change materials. The synergistic nanocomposite, when mixed with a conductive medium, exhibits enhanced heat transfer capacity, and electrical and thermal conductivity, stable chemical composition, faster heat transfer rates, and dispersion maintenance which are beneficial to most thermal or electrical transfer systems.

Abstract: A recuperative and conductive heat transfer system (10, 10′) that is operative to effect therewith the heating within the second portion (20, 20′) of the heat transfer system (10, 10′) of a “working fluid” flowing through the heat s transfer surfaces (32, 32′) as a consequence of the transfer thereto by conduction of heat from a multiplicity of regenerative solids (24, 24′). The multiplicity of regenerative solids (24, 24′) derive their heat from a recuperation thereby within the first portion (12, 12′) of the heat transfer system (10, 10′) from either an internally generated or an externally generated source of heat (22, 22′).

Abstract: An additive suited to use in combination with heat transfer media comprises a chemically stabilized nano-particle size powder. Suitable powders include those of copper, beryllium, titanium, nickel, iron, alloys or blends thereof, and carbon. The surface of the powder is modified by surface complexation or physical adsorption with a chemical agent. The additive, when mixed with a heat transfer medium, forms a colloidal dispersion which exhibits enhanced heat transfer capacity and thermal conductivity, stable chemical composition, faster heat transfer rates, dispersion maintenance which are beneficial to most heat transfer systems.

Abstract: Heat exchangers that utilize flat surfaced passages to contact, contain and utilize fluidized small solid particles. A variety of flat surfaced small solid particles with high heat transfer surfaces are provided to further enhance the heat transfer rate. Astonishingly high heat transfer coefficients have been reported for surfaces immersed in fluidized beds. More energy efficient systems of all kinds will result from the use of these smaller heat exchangers.

Abstract: A highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The composite material can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The composite may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the PCM composite also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material.