Heat pipes are a form of heat exchanger known for high reliability, long service life and ability to transfer large amounts of heat.  Heat pipes are  found extensively in electronics and other devices.  They use phase transitions (liquid-to-vapor-to-liquid) to move heat between two solid interfaces.  Not all heat exchangers are heat pipes; radiators, cooling fins, and heat sinks are different kinds of heat exchangers that move heat from one place to another.  

This course explains the structure and operating mechanisms of heat pipes.  Design types and associated applications, performance and design parameters, and manufacturing methods are also illustrated and explained.

After completing the course, students will be able to: 

 Explain what heat pipes are and how they work

 List various types of heat pipes and their applications

 List common materials used to construct heat pipes

 Discuss where heat pipes can be used and where they cannot

 Describe how to install heat pipes and potential installation pitfalls

 Summarize how to choose an effective working fluid

 Discuss performance limitations

 List advantages and disadvantages of heat pipes

 Discuss heat pipe costs and how to minimize unit costs

 Discuss safety, reliability and service life of heat pipes

 Describe causes of heat pipe failure

 Describe the steps involved in heat pipe design

 Explain how heat pipes are manufactured