Composite top case with embedded heat pipes
A system and method to transfer heat energy through a composite structure. The system includes a heat pipe extending through a thickness of the composite material. The method includes extending a heat pipe through the composite material from a first surface exposed to the heat energy to a second surface exposed to airflow.
1. A cooling system for a structure composed of composite material, comprising:
a heat pipe extending through a thickness of the composite material from an inner surface of the thickness exposed to a heat energy to an outer surface of the thickness exposed to an airflow; and
an elongated bar attached to the heat pipe at a first end;
wherein the heat pipe is surrounded by the composite material about an entire outer circumference of the heat pipe along a portion of the heat pipe between the inner surface and the outer surface;
wherein the elongated bar is secured to and upon the inner surface;
wherein the heat pipe contacts the composite material;
wherein the heat pipe is configured to transfer heat energy from an inner surface of the structure susceptible to heat energy buildup to an exposed surface in contact with airflow; and
wherein the heat pipe is embedded in the composite material.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongated bar is annular along the inner surface.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a plurality of fins secured to a second end of the heat pipe;
wherein the plurality of fins are exposed to the airflow.
4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a base secured to an outer surface of the structure and attached the heat pipe;
wherein the base is exposed to the airflow.
5. The system of claim 4 , further comprising:
a plurality of fins secured to and extending from the base.
6. The system of claim 5 , further comprising:
a second base secured to the inner surface of the structure and attached to the heat pipe.
7. The system of claim 6 , further comprising:
a plurality of fins secured to and extending from the second base.
8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a shaft attached to the heat pipe and extending from the inner surface of the structure.
9. The system of claim 8 , further comprising:
a plurality of fins secured to the shaft.
10. The system of claim 9 , further comprising:
a plurality of fins secured to an end of the heat pipe;
wherein the plurality of fins are exposed to the airstream.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the heat pipe is hollow.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the heat pipe houses an inert gas.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the heat pipe houses water vapor.
14. A method to transfer heat energy through a composite structure, comprising:
extending a heat pipe through a thickness of the composite material from an inner surface of the thickness exposed to the heat energy to an outer surface of the thickness exposed to airflow;
wherein the heat pipe is embedded in the composite structure between the inner surface and the outer surface;
wherein the heat pipe is surrounded by the composite material about an entire outer circumference of the heat pipe along a portion of the heat pipe between the inner surface and the outer surface; and
wherein the heat pipe is in contact with the composite material.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising:
further transferring the heat energy by securing a plurality of fins to the heat pipe.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the composite material is thermally non-conductive.
17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the composite material is thermally non-conductive.