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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a corrugated heat pipe for conducting terrestrial
heat onto the surface of the ground for utilizing it for melting snow,
power generation and so forth.
2. Description of the Related Art
Heretofore, a corrugated heat pipe is used to conduct terrestrial heat onto
the ground surface from hot water in the ground by heat conduction,
without depriving the ground of hot water or steam. Several tens or
hundreds rigid heat pipes of steel or alloy steel, each, for example of 10
long are laid out at the installation site and connected one by one, using
male and female screws, to obtain a single long heat pipe which is then
inserted in the ground. A pipe having this structure can sufficiently
withstand the hanging load and also radial pressure externally applied to
it is the depth of the ground. This method of installation, however, has
problems as regards operability. The operation performed when the pipes
are connected on the installation site encounters great difficulties
depending on status and environments of the installation site.
Nevertheless, the installing method is used in which the pipes are
connected on the installation site. This is because if a single long steel
or alloy steel heat pipe is completed in factory, it can not be
transported to the installation site, because of its size and weight.
There has been a proposal for improving the operability on the site. This
proposal is to provide a heat pipe having flexibility and reduced wall
thickness. If a single long corrugated heat pipe having flexibility and
reduced wall thickness is completed in factory, it can be readily
transported to the installation site by winding it onto a drum. In
addition, the flexible material is very light in weight compared to steel
or alloy steel. The flexible heat pipe is used as thermal siphon and is
buried in the ground by inserting it into the ground to a depth of 200 to
5,000 m.
However, this method has the following problems.
Since a pipe as long as several hundred to several thousand meters is
buried such that it is suspended at the ground surface into the ground, it
is subject to elongation due to its own weight, resulting in flattening of
its corrugated outer peripheral surface or breakage of it. The flattening
of the corrugated outer peripheral surface leads to fluctuations of the
heat transfer characteristics in the longitudinal direction.
When in the ground, the pipe is liable to be crushed due to a radial
external pressure applied to it. Generally, the pipe experiences as high
pressure as 0.12 kg/cm.sup.2 multiplied by the depth in meters. In the
depth of several thousand meters, the pipe experiences an external
pressure of several hundred kg/cm.sup.2, so that it will be crushed if it
has reduced wall thickness.
To solve the above problems, in the case of a power cable used for a mining
pit, a steel wire is wound closely helically on the entire outer periphery
of the inner sheath, and the helically wound steel wire is covered by an
outer sheath of vinyl or polyethylene. In this case, however, the handling
of a hanger at the top of heat pipe is a very difficult operation. In
addition, when the heat pipe provided with this means is insertedly buried
in the ground, its flexibility is spoiled due to its very great weight.
Further, the use of the vinyl or polyethylene sheath gives rise to the
problems of the resistance against the terrestrial heat at high
temperatures of 200.degree. C. or above and reduction of the heat
conductivity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been intended in the light of the above, and it
has an object of providing a corrugated heat pipe, which can be insertedly
buried in the ground without possibility of elongation due to the weight,
leading to flattening of its corrugated outer periphery or its breakage.
Another object of the invention is to provide a corrugated heat pipe, which
will not be crushed by externally applied radial pressure when it is
insertedly buried in the ground.
According to the invention, there is provided a corrugated heat pipe sealed
at both ends, having a longitudinally corrugated peripheral wall and
containing operating liquid therein, which corrugated heat pipe includes
inside a rope-like tension member extending through it in its longitudinal
direction and secured at both ends. The rope-like tension member has an
effect of preventing the corrugated heat pipe from elongating due to the
weight thereof when the pipe is inserted in the ground, thus eliminating
the possibility of local flattening of the corrugated outer periphery or
of breakage of the pipe. Further, even when the coefficient of thermal
expansion of the rope-like tension member differes from that of the
corrugated heat pipe, since the corrugated heat pipe has its outer
periphery corrugated in a wavy form in the longitudinal direction, it can
sufficiently absorb the thermal expansion of the rope-like tension member.
Thus, the corrugated heat pipe will not be broken, even when the
coefficient of thermal expansion of the corrugated heat pipe differes from
that of the rope-like tension member.
Further, according to the invention, a helical reinforcing member is
provided in contact with the inner wall of the corrugated heat pipe over
the entire length thereof or portions of the length. Thus, even when a
radial pressure is externally applied to the corrugated heat pipe inserted
in the ground, the pipe will never be crushed. The direction of the
helical winding of the helical reinforcing member is the same as that of
the helical corrugation of the corrugated heat pipe. The pitch of the
helical winding of the helical reinforcing member is the same as or
smaller than that of the helical corrugation of the corrugated heat pipe.
With this arrangement, the flexibility of the heat pipe is not spoiled,
and the pipe can sufficiently absorb the thermal expansion of the
rope-like tension member. Where the direction of the helical winding of
the helical reinforcing member is opposite to the direction of the helical
corrugation of the corrugated heat pipe, the helical winding of the
helical reinforcing member may have any desired pitch. In this case,
effects obtainable where the helical winding of the reinforcing member and
helical corrugation of the corrugated heat pipe are in the same direction,
can be obtained without the reinforcing member received in the groove of
the pipe corrugation.
Still further, according to the invention a liquid condensate receptacle is
attached on a rope-like tension member extending through the corrugated
heat pipe in the longitudinal direction thereof. The liquid condensate
receptacle receives liquid condensate cooled in and dropped from an upper
portion of the pipe. The liquid received in the receptacle is evaporated
toward the pipe upper portion. This has an effect of preventing the pipe
upper portion from drying. Further, according to the invention a wick
presenting a capillarity is provided on the rope-like tension member
extending longitudinally through the corrugated heat pipe over the entire
length of the member or portions of the length. The wick can retain liquid
condensate, and the retained liquid condensate is evaporated toward the
pipe upper portion to prevent the pipe upper portion from drying.
Furthermore, according to the invention a rope-like tension member secured
at both ends is provided along the outer peripheral surface of the
corrugated heat pipe in the longitudinal direction thereof. The rope-like
tension member support the weight of the corrugated heat pipe when the
pipe is inserted in the ground to prevent the pipe from elongating due to
the weight thereof, thus preventing the corrugated outer periphery of the
pipe from locally flattening or breading.
Further, according to the invention there is provided a corrugated heat
pipe sealed at both ends, having a longitudinally corrugated peripheral
wall, containing operating liquid therein, and a rope-like tension member
extending through it in its longitudinal direction and secured at both
ends, which corrugated heat pipe includes a supporting member disposed
between a portion of the rope-like tension member and a recessed inner
wall portion of it to let the weight of the corrugated heat pipe be
supported between the ropes-like tension member portion and recessed inner
wall portion. The weight of the corrugated heat pipe is supported by the
supporting member and transferred to the rope-like tension member so that
it is supported thereby. More specifically, a supporting member, which is
composed of helical or ring-like wire member or helical or disk-like plate
member suited to the shape of the wavy groove of the corrugated heat pipe
inner wall, is provided between the rope-like tension member and the wavy
groove of the corrugated heat pipe inner wall in the longitudinal
direction of the pipe. The weight of the corrugated heat pipe is supported
by the supporting member and transferred to the rope-like tension member,
so that it is supported thereby. Since the weight of the corrugated heat
pipe is supported by the supporting member when the pipe is inserted in
the ground, it is possible to prevent the pipe from elongating due to the
weight thereof, thus preventing the corrugated outer periphery of the pipe
from locally flattening or breaking.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an embodiment of the
corrugated heat pipe according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view, to a reduced scale, showing the
corrugated heat pipe of FIG. 1 in a state mounted in an on-ground building
structure;
FIG. 3 is a schematic elevational sectional view showing a different
embodiment of the corrugated heat pipe according to the invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view showing the corrugated heat pipe
of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a schematic fragmentary view showing a modification of the
corrugated heat pipe of FIGS. 3 and 4 with a wire member wound on the pipe
at the pitch of the helical corrugation of the pipe periphery;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI--VI in FIG. 5 and viewed in
the direction of arrow;
FIG. 7 is a schematic fragmentary view showing a different modification of
the corrugated heat pipe of FIGS. 3 and 4, in which rope-like tension
members are held in close contact with the pipe outer periphery by a
preformed wire member;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII--VIII in FIG. 7 and viewed
in the direction of arrow;
FIG. 9 is a schematic fragmentary view showing a further modification of
the corrugated heat pipe of FIGS. 3 and 4, in which rope-like tension
members are held in close contact with the pipe outer periphery by hinged
strip-like members;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line X--X in FIG. 9 and viewed in
the direction of arrow;
FIG. 11 is a schematic elevational sectional view showing a further
embodiment of the corrugated heat pipe according to the invention; and
FIGS. 12 to 15 are perspective views showing respective examples of a
supporting member used for the corrugated heat pipe of FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Now, preferred embodiments of the corrugated heat pipe according to the
invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an embodiment of the
corrugated heat pipe according to the invention, and FIG. 2 shows the
corrugated heat pipe of FIG. 1 in a state mounted in an on-ground
structure. In FIG. 2, the inner arrangement of the corrugated heat pipe is
shown in a simplified form compared to FIG. 1 for the sake of simplicity.
Corrugated heat pipe 1 as shown, has flexibility, and its upper portion
including a hanger portion extends on the ground. Its main portion is
inserted substantially vertically in the ground 100. Usually, the
corrugated heat pipe is inserted into a depth of 200 to 3000 m.
The corrugated heat pipe is made of such metal as steel, copper, aluminum
and stainless steel and has an inner diameter of 50 to 300 mm. Its
peripheral wall 101 is wavy, i.e., corrugated, in the longitudinal
direction. The corrugated heat pipe contains therein operating liquid 102,
e.g., "Furon" (a trademark).
The form of corrugation of peripheral wall 101 may be either helical or
non-helical, e.g., bellows-like.
Rope-like tension member 2, which is composed of stranded steel or like
wires, is provided inside the sealed corrugated heat pipe, and extends
coaxially therethrough, and its upper and lower ends are fittedly secured
in center holes in upper and lower end securement members 201 and 202
provided at the upper and lower ends of the corrugated heat pipe.
Actually, the ends of rope-like tension member 2 are secured to the end
securement members by means of press clamping, welding, etc. The operation
of securement is done in factory. The rope-like tension member 2 may be a
stranded rope of fine steel wires, a hempen rope, a stranded rope of fine
plastic fibers, a stranded rope of fine carbon fibers, or the like. Upper
end securement member 201 has a disk-like sealing portion having a central
hole and a coaxial cylindrical boss portion also having a central hole. A
portion of the rope-like tension member inserted in the central hole of
the sealing portion is welded to or screwedly coupled to the same, whereby
the upper end of corrugated heat pipe 1 is sealed. A portion of the
rope-like tension member inserted in the central hole of the boss portion
is secured to the same by means of press clamping, whereby a great hanging
load of the corrugated heat pipe is supported.
Upper end securement member 201 is coaxially secured by means of screwing
to hanger 203. Hanger 203 is provided with hole 204 formed therein for
facilitating the operation when the corrugated heat pipe is transported
and installed.
The lower end of rope-like tension member 2, like the upper end, is
inserted in the central hole of securement member 202 and secured to lower
end thereof. The lower end of the corrugated heat pipe is thus sealed.
The boss portion of lower end securement member 202 is protected by cap
member 205. The means of securing the upper and lower ends of rope-like
tension member 2 are not limited to the above means.
Reinforcing member 3 is composed of a steel or like metal strip which is
wound helically. It is mounted in contact with the inner wall of
corrugated heat pipe 1 such that it will not slip down. Before it is
mounted, it may be contracted by cooling, so that it may be expanded to
the normal size after the mounting. It may be mounted over the entire
length of the corrugated heat pipe or a portion of the length. It is
effective and desired that reinforcing member 3 is used for a portion of
the corrugated heat pipe inner wall which is inserted deep in the ground.
Where corrugated heat pipe 1 has a helical corrugation, the pitch of
helical winding of reinforcing member 3 may be equal to or smaller than
the pitch of helical corrugation of pipe 1. The metal strip constituting
reinforcing member 3 may have any sectional profile, e.g., a circular or
angular profile, so long as the flexibility of corrugated heat pipe is not
spoiled.
Liquid condensate receptacle 4 is a member having a recess open upward such
as a dish or a cup. It may be attached on rope-like tension member 2 by
fitting its central hole thereon. Liquid condensate receptacles may have
size and be used in number determined by taking the inner diameter, length
and heat transport capacity of the corrugated heat pipe. Receptacle 4 may
be attached on rope-like tension member 2 over the entire length thereof
or a portion or portions. Further, they may be provided closely or at an
interval over the entire length or a portion or portions. They may be
readily attached in factory.
Rope-like tension member 2 is not limitative as corrugated heat pipe
support means; for instance it is possible to use like rope extending
through the corrugated heat pipe.
Reference numeral 5 designates a wick. It is composed of a metal net or
very fine wires and provided suitably on rope-like tension member 2. It
may be provided on rope-like tension member 2 over the entire length
thereof or a portion or portions. Further, it may be provided closely or
at an interval over the entire length or a portion or portions.
Furthermore, the wick may be constituted by rope-like tension member 2
itself. Further, it may be buried in rope-like tension member 2. Further,
it may be provided on a rope substituted for rope-like tension member 2
over the entire length thereof or a portion or portions.
Wick 6 which is provided between the inner wall of the corrugated heat pipe
and reinforcing member 3 is composed of a metal net, fine wires, etc. It
may be clamped between the inner wall cf corrugated heat pipe 1 and
reinforcing member 3 by making use of the contact pressure therebetween.
Further, very fine wires may be preliminarily wound on the metal strip of
reinforcing member, and then the resultant assembly may be wound into a
helical form having a predetermined number of turns, thus obtaining wick
6.
Wick 6, like wick 5, may be provided on the corrugated heat pipe inner wall
over the entire length thereof or a portion or portions.
Evacuation/liquid supply nozzle 206 is provided for evacuating and
supplying liquid to corrugated heat pipe 1.
FIG. 2 shows corrugated heat pipe 1 of FIG. 1 which is secured to and
supported by on-ground building structure 10.
Reference numeral 11 designates a terrestrial heat conducting pipe, through
which the terrestrial heat is transferred to a cooler (not shown).
Reference numeral 12 designates a return pipe, through which liquid
condensate produced as a result of cooling in the cooler is recirculated
to corrugated heat pipe 1. Reference numeral 13 designates a branch pipe,
which is used for evacuation, exhausting as well as the operation and
monitoring of pressure gauges, safety valves, etc.
Corrugated heat pipe 1 may be provided with local heat insulation and/or
corrosion-proof or other protective treatment, if necessary.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a different embodiment of the invention. In these
Figures, parts like those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by corresponding
reference numerals, and their detailed description is omitted.
In the previous embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the rope-like tension member
is provided inside the corrugated heat pipe. In this embodiment, rope-like
tension members 2 are provided outside the corrugated heat pipe. Rope-like
tension members 2 are composed of steel wire stands and extend along the
outer peripheral surface of corrugated heat pipe 1 in the longitudinal
direction thereof. Their lower end is secured by means of press clamping
to lower end securement member 202 of corrugated heat pipe. The securing
operation may be done in factory. Their upper portion projected from the
ground surface is clamped by clamp 16. Rope-like tension members 2 are
supported by on-ground building structure 10 via clamp 16.
One or more (practically four or more) rope-like tension members 2 are used
depending on the size and weight of corrugated heat pipe 1. The number of
rope-like tension members provided on the outer peripheral surface of
corrugated heat pipe 1 and also the number and diameter of stranded wires,
are suitably selected depending on desired mechanical strength. Since a
plurality of rope-like tension members are provided on the outer
peripheral surface of corrugated heat pipe 1, their inspection and
maintenance may be readily done even in the event of occurrence of damage
to some of them.
Reference numeral 18 designates a wire, which is a solid or stranded metal
wire. As shown in FIG. 5, it is wound helically and continuously on the
outer peripheral surface of corrugated heat pipe 1 over a necessary length
thereof at a substantially constant pitch, whereby rope-like tension
members 2 are held in close contact with the periphery of pipe 1. Where
periphery of corrugated heat pipe 1 is corrugated helically, wire 18 is
drawn with tensile force P (as shown in FIG. 6) while adjusting its
position such that it is accommodated in helical groove 19 of corrugation
at the pitch thereof. The ends of wire 18 thus wound are treated by
suitable available means so that the wire will not become loose. Wire 18
may be wound at a constant pitch, i.e., at the same pitch as the pitch of
corrugation of the corrugated heat pipe, or the pitch may be reduced so
that the wire is wound more closely where the own weight is greatly
supported.
Further, wire 18 may be wound helically, or it may be wound helically in
one direction and then in the opposite direction so that it turns overlap.
Where corrugated heat pipe 1 has a bellows-like corrugation, wire 18 of
course may be wound either helically or non-helically.
The various components of the corrugated heat pipe may be mounted in
factory or in the site of installation. A portion of the corrugated heat
pipe extending from the ground surface is connected to cooler 20.
Operating liquid 102, which is sealed under a reduced pressure condition
in the corrugated heat pipe (FIG. 5), repeats a cycle of being evaporated
by the terrestrial heat to enter cooler 20 and transfer its heat thereto,
thus being condensed into liquid to be recirculated to the bottom of the
corrugated heat pipe for evaporation again.
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a modification of the corrugated heat pipe shown
in FIGS. 5 and 6.
In this modification, rope-like tension members are held in close contact
with corrugated heat pipe 1 by a preformed helical wire. More
specifically, like the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, preformed helical wire
31 in a helical form at a substantially constant pitch and having a
suitable length is wound on the outer peripheral surface of corrugated
heat pipe 1 as means for holding rope-like tension members 2 extending
along the outer periphery of pipe 1 in the longitudinal direction thereof
in close contact with pipe 1. Preformed helical wire 31 is made of a metal
having comparatively high spring characters, e.g., steel or non-ferrous
metals or alloys. The helical winding of wire 31 has an inner diameter
slightly smaller than the outer diameter of corrugated heat pipe 1
inclusive of rope-like tension members 2. In this case, when wire 31 is
fitted manually, an adequate spring pressure is provided to eliminate slip
between rope-like tension member 2 and corrugated heat pipe 1. If
necessary, a plurality of preformed helical wires 31 may be used such that
they are assembled in advance into a strip-like form. Further, the inner
side of the helical winding of wire may be sanded to provide enhanced
frictional force. In this case, it is possible to prevent slip between
preformed helical wire 31 and corrugated heat pipe 1 and effectively
support the weight of the corrugated heat pipe. Such preformed helical
wire 31 need not be provided over the entire length of pipe 1, but it may
be provided on suitable portion of pipe 1 in the longitudinal direction
thereof (for instance at a longitudinal interval of 5 m). Thus, preformed
helical wire 31 may be readily mounted at the installation site. In this
case, the wire may be provided at a constant interval as in the embodiment
of FIG. 7, but it may be provided more closely where much weight is
supported.
Preformed helical wire 31 may be suitably provided irrespective of whether
the periphery of corrugated heat pipe 1 has a helical or bellows-like
corrugation.
FIGS. 9 and 10 show a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6. In
this case, hinged strip-like members are used as means for holding the
rope-like tension members in close contact with the corrugated heat pipe.
More specifically, in this case strip-like members 33 each with hinge 32
are used. Each strip-like member 35 is set to surround corrugated heat
pipe 1 and rope-like tension members and then clamped by turning screw 34
to reduce clamping gap 35. It is made of such material as steel or
non-ferrous metals or alloys It has substantially the same inner shape and
diameter as the outer diameter of corrugated heat pipe 1 inclusive of
rope-like tension members 2. It comprises two halves hinged together by
hinge 32, and it is secured to corrugated heat pipe 1 in a surrounding
state by clamping it with screw 34 at clamping gap 35. Since strip-like
members 33 are clamped, no slip is produced between rope-like tension
members and corrugated heat pipe. Strip-like members 33 may be provided on
corrugated heat pipe 1 at suitable portions thereof in the longitudinal
direction (for instance at an interval of 5 m). Therefore, the operation
of holding the rope-like tension members in close contact with the
corrugated heat pipe may be readily done at the installation site. Instead
of strip-like member 33, two striplike members without any hinge may be
used. In this case, the two strip-like members are set face to face on the
pipe outer periphery, and their opposed edges are clamped with screws at
clamping gaps. Further, it is possible to use a strip-like member set
which comprises of more than two separate sections.
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. In these
FIGS., parts like or corresponding to those in the embodiment of FIG. 1
are designated by corresponding like reference numerals, and their
description is omitted.
In this embodiment, supporting wire 43 is used instead of the reinforcing
member in the embodiment of FIG. 1. Supporting wire 43 is an elastic or
rigid wire, e.g., a steel wire. It is disposed helically between and in
close contact with rope-like tension member 2 and recessed inner wall
portion of corrugated heat pipe 1 (i.e., valleys of corrugation when
viewed from the inner side of pipe 1).
More specifically, some of supporting wire 43 is helically wound on
predetermined portions of rope-like tension member 2 in the longitudinal
direction thereof, while the remainder is received in and held in close
contact with helically recessed inner wall 51 or valleys of corrugated
heat pipe 1.
Wick 53 is provided on some predetermined portions of supporting wire 43.
It may be provided over the entire length of supporting wire 43 or
portions of the lengths.
FIG. 12 shows a way of securement of wick 53. In this case, wick 53 is held
secured in the recessed inner wall of the pipe by supporting wire 43.
The length, for which supporting wire 43 is wound on rope-like tension
member 2, and the length, for which the supporting wire is held in close
contact with the helical recessed inner surface of corrugated heat pipe 2
(i.e., the product of the number n of turns in close contact and the pitch
p), are suitably selected such that the weight of the corrugated heat pipe
is uniformly shared by the entire supporting wire. For example, the
length, for which rope-like tension member 2 is held in close contact with
recessed inner wall 51 of pipe 1, may be equal to or twice the pitch of
corrugation of the corrugated heat pipe.
The distribution of the supporting wire is determined by taking the size
(i.e., length and diameter) of corrugated heat pipe 1 and the geology and
terrestrial heat temperature distribution of the place of the pipe
installation into considerations. The supporting wire may be provided over
the entire length of rope-like tension member 2 or portions thereof.
Particularly, in the depth of the ground the supporting wire is desirably
disposed collectively for a great hanging load of the pipe applied.
Further, the supporting member may be mounted in factory, or it may be
mounted at the installation site by preparing a simple mounting device. In
this case, the supporting member may be contracted in size by cooling it
before mounting it.
Steam passes through gaps defined by the supporting members toward upper
portion of the corrugated heat pipe, that is, without being blocked by the
supporting member, so that it is possible to ensure proper function of the
heat pipe
FIG. 13 shows a further example of the supporting wire. In this case, the
corrugated heat pipe (not shown), with which the supporting wire is held
in close contact, is corrugated bellows-like.
A portion of supporting wire 43 is wound on rope-like tension member 2,
while the remainder is held in a ring-like form in the recessed inner
peripheral wall of the pipe. In this case, opposite end portions C and D
(FIG. 3) of a turn of supporting wire 43 are found at the same position in
the direction of extension of the rope-like tension member. In this case,
the method of mounting and distribution of the supporting wire may be the
same as described before in conjunction with FIGS. 11 and 12.
Reference numeral 54 designates a supporting plate.
FIG. 14 shows supporting plate 54. It is substantially disk-like, and is
formed from a metal plate, a plastic plate, etc. It has notch 61.
Rope-like tension member 2 is closely fitted in inner end 62 of notch 61,
whereby the supporting plate is held in position without possibility of
slide-down. Supporting plate 54 has a helical outer periphery, which is
received and held in close contact with helical recessed inner wall of the
corrugated heat pipe (not shown). As shown in FIG. 14, the outer periphery
of supporting plate 54 is inclined helically so that opposite ends A and B
of notch 61 are spaced apart by a distance equal to the pitch P of the
helical corrugation of the corrugated heat pipe. Supporting plate 54 is
provided with holes 64 formed therein to permit passage of steam. Holes 64
may have any suitable shape, e.g., circular, oval, flaring, etc. The
method of mounting and distribution of supporting plates 54 may be the
same as for supporting wire 43 in the case of FIGS. 12 and 13.
FIG. 15 shows a different example of supporting plate. This supporting
plate is provided in a corrugated heat pipe having a bellows-like
corrugation (not shown).
This example of supporting plate 75 is like a flat disk having notch 81.
Rope-like tension member 2 is closely fitted in end 82 of supporting plate
75. The outer periphery of supporting plate 75 is closely mounted in a
recessed inner peripheral wall of pipe. In this case, opposite ends E and
F of notch 81 of supporting plate 75 are not spaced apart but at the same
position in the direction of extension of the rope-like tension member.
Supporting plate 75 has holes 84 for permitting passage of steam. Holes 84
may have any suitable shape as in the case of FIG. 14.
Inside corrugated heat pipe 1, liquid condensate receptacle 4 having a
recess open upward, e.g., like cup or a dish, is attached on rope-like
tension member 2. Further, wick 302 is attached on tension-resistant rope
2. The rope-like tension member itself may serve as wick instead of
particularly providing wick 302. Further, the inner peripheral wall of
pipe is provided with wick 53.
In the above embodiment provided with the supporting member, there will
hardly occur a slip-down between the corrugated heat pipe and supporting
member due to thermal expansion.
Liquid condensate will drop on the supporting member and temporarily
retained on this part. The retained or collected liquid on the supporting
member is evaporated toward upper portion of the pipe. This has an effect
of preventing the upper portion of the pipe from drying.
Reference numeral 206 designates an evacuation/liquid supply nozzle for
evacuating and supplying liquid to corrugated heat pipe 1.
The corrugated heat pipe, of course, is further provided with other,
usually used accessory devices, e.g., a terrestrial heat conducting pipe,
a liquid return pipe, branch pipes, etc. Further, corrugated heat pipe 1
is supported, if necessary, by an on-ground building structure, and also
it may be partly provided with heat insulation, corrosion-proof and other
protective treatments.
While the above embodiments have concerned with cases where the corrugated
heat pipe according to the invention is inserted vertically in the ground.
This is, however, by no means limitative. For example, the corrugated heat
pipe may be installed in the sea, or it may be installed such that it is
inclined with respect to the ground surface. For example, where there is
an obstacle in the ground, it may be installed in an inclined state to
avoid such obstacle Further, it may be installed horizontally. Where the
corrugated heat pipe is installed horizontally, when a force of
longitudinal thermal expansion is exerted, the rope-like tension member
has an effect of preventing the corrugated heat pipe from elongating and
thus deforming. Thus, it is possible to maintain satisfactory heat
transfer characteristics.
As has been described in the foregoing, according to the invention it is
possible to provide an elongate heat pipe, which can be readily
transported. This elongate heat pipe can preclude low operability works on
the installation site. Further, the elongate heat pipe may be factory
provided with various components. With the functions of these components,
it is possible to prevent the pipe from elongating due to the weight
thereof, particularly prevent the pipe from crushing due to high radial
external pressure applied to its portion extending deep in the ground, and
also prevent an upper portion of the pipe from drying owing to positive
promotion of evaporation by the liquid condensate receptacle, wick and
other parts. Further, on the installation site, it is only necessary to
insert and hang the corrugated heat pipe in a pit in the simplest case.
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