Differences and Comparisons between Superconducting Heat Pipes and Conventional Heat Pipes

1. Thermal Conductivity

Superconducting heat pipes have a much higher thermal conductivity than conventional heat pipes. Among all solids, silver is the best heat conductor. The thermal conductivity of conventional heat pipes is 200-3000 times that of silver, while that of superconducting heat pipes can reach 32,000 times.

The heat flux density limit (technical indicator of thermal conductivity) of conventional heat pipes is 0-4,000,000 W/m². However, multiple tests of superconducting heat pipes, both domestically and internationally, have failed to determine this limit due to insufficient heat source power. In other words, the amount of heat input to a superconducting heat pipe is directly proportional to its output heat; its heat flux density limit has not yet been determined.

Superconducting Heat Pipe Manufacturer and Supplier Factory 20 Years

2. Isothermal Characteristics

Both conventional heat pipes and superconducting heat pipes exhibit isothermal characteristics. However, even when the temperatures at the heating and distal ends are roughly the same, the distal end of a conventional heat pipe is generally 3-5°C lower than the heating end, while the distal end of a superconducting heat pipe is 3-5°C higher than the heating end.

Temperature Range

Superconducting heat pipes: Wide temperature range from -70°C to 1700°C, supports installation in any orientation.

Conventional heat pipes: Typically 100-350°C (high-temperature models can reach 1000°C), requires horizontal or inclined placement.

3. Usage Conditions

Heat Pipe Installation:

Conventional heat pipes rely on gravity and thermal convection for the heat transfer medium, requiring installation that is generally vertical or slightly inclined. Superconducting heat pipes are not subject to this restriction and can be installed horizontally, with the pipes even able to bend downwards.

Heat Conduction Direction:

The heat conduction direction of conventional heat pipes is from top to bottom. The heat conduction direction of superconducting heat pipes is unrestricted, and in some cases, heat conduction is from bottom to top (e.g., the heat pipes used to prevent permafrost damage on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway).

Environmental Conditions:

Conventional heat pipes will crack at -30°C and are essentially unusable above 800°C. Their high-temperature limit is determined by the heat transfer medium’s tolerance. Superconducting heat pipes can operate in environments ranging from -70°C to 1700°C. Their high-temperature limit is determined by the pipe material; temperatures that metals cannot withstand can be addressed by using heat-resistant ceramics or glass to make the pipes.

4. Service Life

Conventional heat pipes, due to the incompatibility between the heat transfer medium and the pipe material, produce non-condensable gases during operation. Accumulation of these gases can lead to heat pipe failure or even bursting. Their typical service life is 1-2 years, although some may last 6-7 years at lower operating temperatures. Conventional heat pipes are most susceptible to surface dust and scale buildup, requiring regular cleaning and descaling.

Superconducting heat pipes can have a service life of over 10 years. This is likely due to the high-frequency vibration of the internal medium, making them less prone to scale buildup in hot water. Furthermore, superconducting heat pipes in boiler furnaces, lacking fins, are also less prone to dust accumulation, and any accumulated dust is easily removed.