Design and performance analysis of small cryogenic heat pipes as thermal links for cryocoolers

Cryogenic heat pipes can be used as effective thermal units connecting a cryocooler and its heat load. There are several advantages by using heat pipes as thermal links for cryocoolers. In this paper we report on design and performance analysis of an axially grooved, small, cryogenic heat pipe specifically designed to operate in the liquid nitrogen temperature range between 70K and 115K with nitrogen as the working fluid. The new design promised improved heat transfer characteristics and ease of fabrication. System design consideration and characteristic analysis of the cryogenic heat pipe were presented. The maximum heat transfer rates of the cryogenic heat pipe were studied as a function of operating temperature. The analysis shows that the cryogenic heat pipe has significant advantages over solid metal conductors as thermal links for cryocoolers.