Fraunhofer IPM | Fraunhofer ISE
Fraunhofer IPM | Fraunhofer ISE

Prototype production

Customized production

At the Competence Center Heat Pipes, there are a variety of options for manufacturing customer-specific heat pipe prototypes. The heat pipes can be manufactured

  • in different sizes and with different filling degrees
  • with different fluids (e.g. water, methanol, ethanol, acetone)
  • as different types (e.g. thermosyphon, pulsating heatpipes)
  • with different manufacturing techniques (e.g. 3D-printed, soldered)
  • from different container materials such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, polymers or even glass
 
© Fraunhofer ISE
Prototype of an additively manufactured heat pipe. The heat pipe was produced by 3D printing as a coherent body together with the cooling fins for dissipating the heat on the condenser side. On the left side, there is still the filling tube used for filling with the working fluid.
© Fraunhofer IPM
Thermosiphons made of copper for test series
© Fraunhofer IPM
Base plate for pulsating heat pipe made of copper with recognizable structure of the inner channels
© Fraunhofer IPM
Pulsating heat pipe made of glass with alternating segments of vapor and liquid phase

Filling technology and alternative fluids

Depending on the required operating temperature range of the heat pipes, the selected container material, and functional requirements different working fluids and filling methods are used. Therefore, in the Competence Center Heat Pipes we fill the heat pipes individually and adapted to customer requirements. In addition to filling with water, we have experience with organic fluids such as ethanol, acetone, ammonia, or isopentane.

© Fraunhofer IPM
Filling station for filling heat pipes with various working fluids