Switchpipe project

With the help of heat switches, heat flows can be switched on and off or regulated, very similar to what is possible with electrical switches. There are concepts for heat switches, they do have some disadvantages, however: The thermal resistance in the conductive »on« state is high, the switches are large and often complex in design, and they contain moving parts.

That is why Fraunhofer IPM is collaborating with other Fraunhofer institutes on the Switchpipe project to develop a new generation of thermal switches based on switchable heat pipes. The switchable heat pipes are compact and do not require any moving parts. Due to the simple design, these components can be easily integrated and promise high heat transfer capabilities.

To realize switchable heat pipes, so-called programmable materials are integrated into the heat pipes as part of the project. Through their special behavior, the materials trigger a thermal switching effect under predefined conditions. This in turn allows the heat conduction of the heat pipes to be regulated. The switching effect based on this concept has already been proven at Fraunhofer IPM and is now being implemented in application-oriented heat pipe shapes such as the familiar cylindrical tubular heat pipe.

Project funding
Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Programmable Materials CPM

Project partners

• Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM (coordination)
  
• Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT
• Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU
• Fraunhofer Institute for  Laser Technology ILT
• Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
• Fraunhofer Institute fo Silicate Research ISC

Project term

02/2019 - 12/2022