Tiny Heat Pipes Handle Up To 45W

Capable of dissipating up to 45W of heat, this new series of micro heat pipes channel heat away from a hot spot in a tight place to locations where the heat-dissipating surface is larger. These thin, flexible pipes can maintain a temperature difference of 10°C or less between the hot spot and the cold end. Operation is based on the phase change of the working fluid inside the pipe. Fluid is vaporized at the hot end, flows to the cold end, and then is condensed, moving heat away. The fluid returns to the hot end by capillary effect through a wick structure inside the pipe. Samples with ratings of 5W to 20W are available from stock at a price of $10 each. In production quantities, the unit price is about $5 each, with lead times of up to three weeks.