WO2017186554A1

WO2017186554A1 - Heat transferring arrangement and system comprising the heat transferring arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2017186554A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/059343
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Eme Kadijk
Original assignee: Philips Lighting Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2016-04-26
Filing date: 2017-04-20
Publication date: 2017-11-02

Abstract

A heat transferring arrangement (100) is disclosed, comprising a container (110) having therein a heat absorbing chamber (116) and a heat dissipating chamber (117). Embodiments of the heat transferring arrangement (100) are based on a vapor-compression cycle which utilizes a two-phase fluid as a working fluid, wherein the refrigeration cycle is realized or implemented with a heat absorbing chamber (116) and the heat dissipating chamber (117) functioning as a condenser section and as an evaporator section, respectively. The heat absorbing chamber (116) and the heat dissipating chamber (117) may be operated at different vapor pressures, wherein the difference in vapor pressure between the heat absorbing chamber (116) and the heat dissipating chamber (117) may be generated or realized by way of a compressor unit (130) interposed between the heat absorbing chamber (116) and the heat dissipating chamber (117). The liquid phase of the working fluid can be returned to the heat absorbing chamber (116), which may be at a relatively low pressure, from the heat dissipating chamber (117), which may be at a relatively high pressure, by way of a wick structure (120) which permits transport of the liquid phase of the working fluid therethrough e.g. by way of capillary action.

Description

Heat transferring arrangement and system comprising the heat transferring arrangement

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a heat transferring arrangement that may operate similarly to a heat pump, and which may be used for cooling of an apparatus that when used may generate heat.

BACKGROUND

Different types of heat pumps are known. One example is thermoelectric coolers which operate by way of the Peltier effect (also known as the thermoelectric effect). Thermoelectric coolers are usually compact, but often suffer from a very low efficiency. Thermoelectric coolers are usually applied only in applications where a single, relatively compact cooling device is desired, and where the relatively low efficiency is not a major issue. Example applications include automotive applications and small coolers for domestic applications. Another example of heat pumps is vapor-compression refrigeration systems. Vapor-compression refrigeration systems utilize the vapor compression cycle, and are often used in household refrigerators and air conditioning systems as well as in many large commercial and industrial refrigeration systems. Vapor-compression refrigeration systems usually exhibit a relatively high efficiency, but often require a lot of materials and available space, and may produce a relatively large amount of noise and/or vibration due to operation of fans or the like. In applications in which the available space is relatively small, such as, for example, in light-emitting diode (LED) lamps or other solid-state based lighting devices, vapor-compression refrigeration systems are often too bulky and too expensive.

SUMMARY

In view of the above discussion, a concern of the present invention is to provide a heat transferring arrangement, which may operate similarly to a heat pump and which may be relatively compact, or be associated with a relatively small form factor, and which may be feasible to apply in applications in which the available space is relatively small, such as in LED lamps or other solid-state based lighting devices. To address at least one of this concern and other concerns, a heat transferring arrangement in accordance with the independent claim is provided. Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a heat transferring arrangement for cooling of an apparatus which when used may generate heat. The heat transferring arrangement comprises a container. The container has wall sections which comprise first inner surfaces which in part define respective first inner spaces. The first inner spaces comprise a heat absorbing chamber and a heat dissipating chamber, respectively. The first inner spaces are at least in part filled with a fluid which may be (at least) in a liquid phase or a vapor phase. At least one outer surface of the container is configured to be at least thermally coupled to the apparatus, such that at least a portion of heat generated by the apparatus is transferred to, and absorbed at, the heat absorbing chamber. The heat transferring arrangement is configured to transfer thermal energy absorbed at the heat absorbing chamber to the heat dissipating chamber. The container is configured such that heat transferred from the heat absorbing chamber to the heat dissipating chamber can be dissipated from the heat transferring arrangement by way of heat transfer through a wall section of the container. The heat transferring arrangement comprises a compressor unit which is interposed between and separating the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber. The fluid is selected, and the heat transferring arrangement is arranged with a pressure therein, such that at least a portion of the fluid in the heat absorbing chamber is evaporated by heat that is generated by the apparatus and transferred to the heat absorbing chamber. The compressor unit is configured to compress evaporated fluid in the heat absorbing chamber and transport the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber. At least a portion of the compressed fluid in the heat dissipating chamber condenses when it cools by dissipation of heat therefrom. The heat transferring arrangement comprises a wick structure arranged within the inner space so as to allow for transport of condensed fluid through the wick structure from the heat dissipating chamber to the heat absorbing chamber.

The fluid may in the following be referred to as a working fluid. As indicated in the foregoing, the fluid is at least a two-phase fluid, which may be in a liquid phase or in a vapor phase. The fluid may for example comprise water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, ammonia, or possibly any mixture thereof. Embodiments of the heat transferring arrangement are based on a vapor-compression cycle which utilizes the two-phase fluid as a working fluid, wherein the refrigeration cycle is realized or implemented with the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber of the container functioning as a condenser chamber, or condenser section or condenser side, and as an evaporator chamber, or evaporator section or evaporator side, respectively. The heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber may be operated at different vapor pressures, wherein the difference in vapor pressure between the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber may be generated or realized by way of the compressor unit which is interposed between the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber and which may be arranged within the container. The liquid phase of the working fluid can be returned to the evaporator chamber (heat absorbing chamber), which may be at a relatively low pressure, from the condenser chamber (heat dissipating chamber), which may be at a relatively high pressure, by way of a wick structure permitting transport of the liquid phase of the working fluid therethrough by way of capillary action.

By way of the compressor unit, which is configured to compress evaporated working fluid in the heat absorbing chamber and transport the compressed working fluid to the heat dissipating chamber, and the wick structure which permits transport of the liquid phase of the working fluid therethrough by way of capillary action back to the heat absorbing chamber, a relatively compact heat transferring arrangement may be achieved, as compared to, e.g., vapor-compression refrigeration systems used in household refrigerators and air conditioning systems as well as in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems. Further, a relatively high efficiency in the cooling of the apparatus may be achieved as compared to employing, e.g., thermoelectric coolers, which are usually compact, but often are associated with a very low efficiency. The efficiency of cooling may for example be defined as the ratio of an amount of thermal energy transferred from the apparatus to the energy required by the compressor unit in order the transfer the amount of thermal energy from the apparatus.

Further, any noise and/or vibration associated with the operation of the heat transferring arrangement may be relatively low or even negligible as compared to, e.g., vapor- compression refrigeration systems used in household refrigerators and air conditioning systems as well as in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.

The heat transferring arrangement may operate according to principles of a heat pump. In the context of the present application, a heat pump should be understood as any device that transports thermal energy (heat) from a source of heat to a destination usually referred to as 'heat sink', and is designed or constructed so as to move thermal energy opposite to the direction of spontaneous heat flow by absorbing heat from a relatively cold space and releasing it to a warmer space. In the heat transferring arrangement the source of heat may correspond to the at least one outer surface of the container that is configured to be at least thermally coupled to the apparatus, such that at least a portion of heat generated by the apparatus is transferred to and absorbed at the heat absorbing chamber. And the heat sink may correspond to the walls of the container at the heat dissipation chamber through which heat is dissipated, whereby at least a portion of the compressed fluid in the heat dissipating chamber condenses. A heat pump generally uses some amount of external power to transport thermal energy (heat) from the source of heat to the 'heat sink'. In the heat transferring arrangement this external power may correspond to power used or required by compressor unit in order to compress evaporated fluid in the heat absorbing chamber and transport the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber.

The container may be at least in part hollow, and may for example include at least two cavities, or chambers, as indicated in the foregoing.

There may be two first inner surfaces. The first inner surfaces may be at different ends of the container, for example at opposite ends of the container.

According to one example the container may be cylinder-shaped, or cylindrical, with substantially flat, circular ends, and with two first inner surfaces. In such a case, one of the wall sections comprising the first inner surfaces may be constituted by the walls at one end of the container, and the other one of the wall sections comprising the first inner surfaces may be constituted by the walls at the other end of the container.

According to another example the container may be cylinder-shaped, or cylindrical, with end caps that for example may be hemi-spherically shaped, and with two first inner surfaces. In such a case, one of the wall sections comprising the first inner surfaces may be constituted by the walls at one end of the container including one of the end caps, and the other of the wall sections comprising the first inner surfaces may be constituted by the walls at the other end of the container including the other end cap.

It is to be understood that other shapes of the container are possible.

At least a portion of the compressed fluid in the heat dissipating chamber may condense when it cools by means of dissipation of heat from the heat dissipating chamber through the wall section of the container.

As indicated in the foregoing, the wick structure may be arranged so as to allow for transport of condensed fluid through the wick structure by way of capillary forces. The condensed fluid may be transported through the wick structure, from the heat dissipating chamber to the heat absorbing chamber, without having to go via, or pass through, the compressor unit. In the context of the present application, by a wick structure it is meant a structure, or element, or means, which has a capability of conveying or transporting liquid through the structure by means of capillary action, and where capillary forces in the wick structure (e.g., in the material(s) of the wick structure) drive the liquid transport through the structure. The wick structure may for example comprise at least one of: at least one mesh, a plurality of (e.g., relatively fine) grooves, and/or sintered powder. The wick structure may for example comprise one or more meshes for example made of metal such as, for example, copper. The wick structure may for example comprise several meshes having various mesh sizes in order to provide multiple sizes of pockets for the fluid. In alternative or in addition, the wick structure may comprise a plurality of relatively fine grooves, a mesh screen, and/or sintered powder(s).

The container may have wall sections which comprise different materials, and which may exhibit different thermal conductivity.

At least a portion of the wick structure may for example be (at least fluidly) coupled to the first inner surfaces of the container so as to define a portion of the periphery, or outer perimeter, of the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber, respectively. The walls of the container may be thermally conducting at the sections thereof which comprise the first inner surfaces.

Any thermally conducting section of the walls of the container may for example have a thermal conductivity exceeding 1 W / (m K). Any thermally conducting section of the walls of the container may for example comprise one or more metals or metallic materials such as, for example, copper, brass, bronze, titanium, or stainless steel.

The container may have at least one wall section which comprises at least one second inner surface that in part defines a second inner space which accommodates the compressor unit. At least a portion of the wick structure may be (at least fluidly) coupled to the at least one second inner surface so as to allow for the transport of condensed fluid through the wick structure from the heat dissipating chamber to the heat absorbing chamber. The walls of the container may be thermally insulating at the section(s) thereof which comprise the at least one second inner surface.

The at least one second inner surface may be a circumferential inner surface.

As mentioned in the foregoing, the container may for example be cylinder- shaped, or cylindrical. In such a case, the at least one wall section which comprises the at least one second inner surface may for example be constituted by a wall section defined by a 'slice' of the cylindrical container, between the ends of the cylindrical container. The 'slice' may for example be in the middle or substantially in the middle of the cylindrical container as seen in an axial direction thereof.

Any thermally insulating section of the walls of the container may for example have a thermal conductivity less than 1 W / (m K), and may for example comprise a glass material and/or a plastic material.

The at least a portion of the wick structure that is coupled to the at least one second inner surface may be fluidly sealed from the compressor unit, e.g., by way of a cover between the wick structure and the compressor unit at the at least a portion of the wick structure that is coupled to the at least one second inner surface. By the at least a portion of the wick structure that is coupled to the at least one second inner surface being fluidly sealed from the compressor unit, evaporation of liquid out of the wick structure at the at least one second inner surface to vapor which may enter the heat absorbing chamber may be reduced or even prevented. Similarly, condensation of vapor which may enter the wick structure at the at least one second inner surface - and subsequently enter the heat dissipating chamber - may be reduced or even prevented.

In alternative or in addition, the at least a portion of the wick structure that is coupled to the at least one second inner surface may be thermally insulated from the compressor unit, e.g., by way of a thermally insulating cover being provided between the compressor unit and the wick structure. The thermally insulating cover may possibly be constituted by the same cover that provides for the at least a portion of the wick structure that is coupled to the at least one second inner surface being fluidly sealed from the compressor unit. Thus, the cover may exhibit both fluid sealing and thermal insulation properties.

As mentioned in the foregoing, the container may have wall sections which comprise different materials, and which may exhibit different thermal conductivity.

However, this is according to non-limiting examples, and is not required. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the walls of the container may comprise one (or a single) material, such as, for example, a glass material. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the walls of the container may for example be made entirely - or substantially entirely - of glass, which for example may have a thermal conductivity of 1 W / (m K) or about 1 W / (m K).

In the context of the present application, by the compressor unit being interposed between and separating the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber, it is meant that the compressor unit is arranged such that no or only negligible spontaneous transport of fluid between the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber via the compressor unit may be carried out, in contrast to the non-spontaneous transport by way of the compression of evaporated fluid in the heat absorbing chamber and transportation of the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber carried out by the compressor unit.

The compressor unit may comprise a fluid compressing module comprising at least one moving part configured to receive evaporated fluid from the heat absorbing chamber, compress the evaporated fluid, and transport the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber. The compressor unit may comprise an actuating module, or drive unit, configured to actuate the at least one moving part to move so that the at least one moving part receives evaporated fluid from the heat absorbing chamber, compresses the evaporated fluid, and transports the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber.

The actuating module may for example comprise at least one electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator configured to controllably generate forces which actuate the moving parts to move so that they receive evaporated fluid from the heat absorbing chamber, compress the evaporated fluid, and transport the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber (or so that they at least effect these actions). The at least one

electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator may for example be a linear actuator. Another or other types of actuating modules are possible.

The actuating module may at least in part be arranged externally with respect to the container. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the actuating module may be entirely arranged externally with respect to the container. For example, the actuating module may be arranged outside the container, or at least outside the first inner spaces and/or the second inner space(s). Thereby, the fluid compressing component(s) of the compressor unit (the at least one moving part) may be actuated from the outside of the container. This may reduce or even eliminate the need for any through-holes or perforations in the walls of the container for electrical wiring, etc. Further, this may reduce or even eliminate the need for any sealing of any rotating parts or components of the

compressor unit.

At least a section of the wall of the container may be made of material that permits the at least one electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator to generate the forces which actuate the moving parts. That is to say, the walls of the container may be made of material that permits the actuating module to generate forces which actuates the at least one moving part, even though the actuating module is arranged externally with respect to the container. The walls of the container may for example be made at least in part (e.g., at wall portions which surround or enclose the compressor unit) by a plastic material, which may permit effecting movement (possibly controllable) of the at least one moving part for example by means of an electromagnetic actuator from the outside of the container.

The compressor unit - or compressor - may for example be of different type, such as, for example, a reciprocating compressor, a scroll compressor, or a centrifugal compressor. The compressor unit (or simply 'compressor') may for example comprise one or more of: a Lysholm screw pump, a liquid ring compressor, a sliding vane compressor, a scroll compressor, a guided rotor compressor (e.g., comprising a Wankel compressor), a piston compressor, and/or a centrifugal compressor.

A scroll compressor is compressor type in which two so called scrolls perform a relative orbiting motion, and where substantially symmetrical compression chambers for fluid such as a gas are formed between the two scrolls. The scrolls are constituted by spiral- shaped fins. In a scroll compressor there is usually a stationary scroll part having an exhaust opening at the center thereof, and a movable scroll part, which may be referred to as the orbiter, which is driven by an electrical motor. By the relative orbiting motion of the two scrolls, a volume of the compression chamber is progressively decreasing as the compression chamber moves toward the center of the scroll, compressing the gas held in the compression chamber, and thereby transporting the gas towards the center of the scroll where it can exit at the exhaust opening. The scroll compressor can thereby be used to pump the gas. The orbiting motion of the orbiter with respect to the stationary scroll part can for example be generated by means of an eccentric mechanical part which is connecting the motor axis with the orbiter axis. The orbiter may hence be mounted eccentrically on the motor axis.

The compressor unit, or, e.g., the fluid compressing module, may for example comprise a first member, which comprises a first base and a first spiral wrap (or first spiral fin) extending from the first base, and a second member, which comprises a second base and a second spiral wrap (or second spiral fin) extending from the second base. The first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap may be interleaved, or interfitted.

In the context of the present application, by spiral it is meant a curve on a plane that winds around a central point at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance from the central point. Thus, each of the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap represents a structure having walls which similarly to a spiral revolves around a central point, as seen from above the first and second base, respectively. The spacing between different turns of the first spiral wrap and/or the second spiral wrap may be the same, or it may differ at least between some turns. In the context of the present application, by the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap being interleaved or interfitted, it is meant that they are arranged in or as if in alternate layers. Each of the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap may for example have an involute (or evolvent) geometry or shape. That is to say, the walls of each of the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap may, when seen from the above (of the first member and second member, respectively), exhibit a shape similar to an involute or evolvent curve. However, other geometries or shapes of the first spiral wrap and/or the second spiral wrap are possible.

The compressor unit, or, e.g., the fluid compressing module, may comprise an inlet, which permits evaporated fluid in the heat absorbing chamber to enter between the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap.

The actuating module may be configured to controllably move at least one of the first member and the second member resulting in an orbiting motion of one of the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap relatively to the other one of the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap, such that a volume of fluid in at least one space between the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap consecutively changes during the orbiting motion, whereby the fluid is compressed and a flow of fluid between the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap is generated.

The above-mentioned orbiting motion may be generated by way of two mutually perpendicular, or orthogonal, mechanical oscillatory movements by the first member and the second member, respectively, which oscillatory movements may have a phase difference of 90° (π/2 radians), or about 90° (e.g., the oscillations being phase-shifted relatively to each other), and possibly have the same (or substantially the same) amplitude.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, both the first member and the second member may be movable, and possibly both of them may be moved so as to result in the orbiting motion of one of the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap relatively to the other one of the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap. In alternative, one of the first member and the second member may be movable with the other one being fixedly arranged (in the compressor unit). For example, first member may be fixedly arranged (in the compressor unit) and the second member may be movable relatively to the first member, and the second member may be controllably moved with respect to the first member so as to result in an orbiting motion of the second spiral wrap relatively to the first spiral wrap, possibly such that the second spiral wrap is driven to orbit eccentrically relatively to the first spiral wrap. In the context of the present application, by one spiral wrap being driven to orbit eccentrically relatively to another spiral wrap it is meant that one spiral wrap is orbiting around an axis that is different from the center axis of the other spiral wrap.

The compressor unit, or, e.g., the fluid compressing module, may comprise an outlet, which may be comprised in at least one of the first member and the second member, for outputting the flow of fluid generated between the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap to the heat dissipating chamber.

The actuating module, or drive unit, may for example comprise at least one electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator, which may be configured to controllably generate forces which affect the at least one of the first member and the second member in order to controllably move the at least one of the first member and the second member so as to result in the orbiting motion. The at least one electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator may for example be a linear actuator.

The at least one electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator of the actuating module or drive unit may for example comprise a static wire coil, which when energized may create a magnetic field. For example, the first member and/or the second member, or some other element(s) which may be coupled to and/or supporting the first member and/or the second member, may when exposed to the magnetic field be attracted to or repelled by the static wire coil, thereby effecting movement (possibly controllable) of the first member and/or the second member. The at least one electromagnetic actuator may for example operate similarly to a solenoid or a linear electromagnetic motor, both of which as such are known in the art. In alternative or in addition the electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator may for example comprise a piezoelectric actuator, which for example may utilize one or more piezoelectric crystals or materials, which may change at least one dimension thereof when an external electric field is applied to the piezoelectric crystal(s) or material(s). Thereby, the electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator may be configured to produce a force responsive to application of an external electric field. It is to be understood that the above-described types of electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuators are according to non-limiting examples, and that the actuating module or drive unit may employ another or other types of electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuators.

As mentioned in the foregoing, the actuating module, which for example may comprise at least one electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator, may be arranged externally with respect to the container. At least a section of the wall of the container may be made of material that permits the at least one electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator to generate the forces which affect the at least one of the first member and the second member in order to controllably move the at least one of the first member and the second member so as to result in the orbiting motion. That is to say, the walls of the container may be made of material that permits the actuating module to generate forces which affect the at least one of the first member and the second member in the compressor unit, even though the actuating module is arranged externally with respect to the container. The walls of the container may for example be made at least in part (e.g., at wall portions which surround or enclose the compressor unit) by a plastic material, which may permit effecting movement (possibly controllable) of the first member and/or the second member for example by means of an electromagnetic actuator from the outside of the container.

In alternative or in addition the actuating module may comprise at least one elongate member (e.g., at least one beam or the like) coupled to the at least one of the first member and the second member and configured to move the at least one of the first member and the second member so as to result in the orbiting motion. The at least one elongate member may extend through the walls of the container at at least one flexible portion thereof so as to permit actuation of the at least one elongate member from the outside of the container. The at least one flexible portion of the walls of the container may for example comprise at least one metal bellow or the like.

The wick structure may, possibly similarly to the container, be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical (i.e. not having an exactly cylindrical shape, but having a cylinder- like shape).

The container may be arranged such that it is fluidly sealed (e.g., from the exterior or surroundings of the container). To that end, the walls of the container may for example be made of a material which has a negligible or vanishing permeability of the fluid which is in the container. The container may be arranged such that it is hermetically sealed, or sealed in a gas-tight manner.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system, which comprises an apparatus which when used may generate heat, and a heat transferring arrangement according to the first aspect. At least one outer surface of the container may be configured to be at least thermally coupled to the apparatus such that at least a portion of heat generated by the apparatus is transferred to, and absorbed at, the heat absorbing chamber.

The apparatus may in principle comprise any apparatus which when used may generate heat. The apparatus may for example comprise an electrical apparatus, such as, for example, a lighting apparatus which may be configured to emit light when operated. The lighting apparatus may for example comprise at least one light-emitting element configured to emit light when operated. The at least one light- emitting element may for example comprise at least one LED, and/or another type of solid state light source. The lighting apparatus may for example comprise a LED lamp. The lighting apparatus may for example comprise a spot lighting apparatus.

It is to be understood that the apparatus is not limited to being or comprising a lighting apparatus. The apparatus may in alternative or in addition for example be constituted by or comprise a (relatively small) refrigerator and/or a beverage cooler, for example for domestic applications.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention are described in the following by means of exemplifying embodiments. It is noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims. Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the description herein. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplifying embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figs. 1 and 2 are schematic sectional side views of systems according to embodiments of the present invention. Each of the systems illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a heat transferring arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention and an apparatus which the heat transferring arrangement is configured to cool.

Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional side view of a heat transferring arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 4 and 5 are schematic views of a first member and a second member, respectively, comprised in the fluid compressing module of a compressor unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate embodiments of the present invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplifying embodiments of the present invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments of the present invention set forth herein; rather, these embodiments of the present invention are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, identical reference numerals denote the same or similar components having a same or similar function, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Figure 1 is a schematic sectional side view of a system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a heat transferring arrangement 100 and an apparatus 200. The heat transferring arrangement 100 is configured to cool the apparatus 200, which when used may generate heat. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 200 comprises a lighting apparatus 200 configured to emit light when operated. It is however to be understood that the apparatus 200 comprising a lighting apparatus 200 is according to a non-limiting example and that the apparatus 200 in alternative or in addition could comprise another type or types of apparatuses. It is further to be understood that Figure 1 is schematic and not necessarily to scale. For example, the apparatus 200 may be larger than the heat transferring arrangement 100, even though the opposite case is indicated in Figure 1.

The heat transferring arrangement 100 comprises a container 1 10. As illustrated in Figure 1, the container 1 10 may be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical (i.e. not having an exactly cylindrical shape, but having a cylinder-like shape), with substantially flat, circular ends. However, it is to be understood that the shape of the container 1 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is according to a non-limiting example, and that other shapes of the container 1 10 are possible, such as, for example, a (slightly) conical shape similar to the shape of a truncated cone.

The container 1 10 has wall sections 1 13, 1 14 that comprise first inner surfaces 1 1 1, 1 12, respectively. According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the wall sections 1 13 and 1 14 are constituted by the walls at one end of the container 1 10 and the walls at the other, opposite end of the container 1 10, respectively. The inner surfaces 1 1 1,

1 12 in part define respective first inner spaces 1 15, 1 19. The inner spaces 1 15, 1 19 comprise a heat absorbing chamber 1 16 and a heat dissipating chamber 1 17, respectively. The first inner spaces 1 15, 1 19 are at least in part filled with a fluid which may be (at least) in a liquid phase or a vapor phase. The fluid is hence at least a two-phase fluid. The fluid may for example comprise water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, ammonia, or possibly any mixture thereof. The container 1 10 comprises at least one outer surface 1 18 that is configured to be at least thermally coupled to the apparatus 200 such that at least a portion of heat generated by the apparatus 200 is transferred to, and absorbed at, the heat absorbing chamber 116.

According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the lighting apparatus 200 is mechanically directly connected to the outer surface 1 18 of the container 1 10. However, it is to be understood that the lighting apparatus 200 may be connected directly or indirectly (via one or more intermediate elements or components) to at least one outer surface of the container 110, and that it sufficient that the lighting apparatus 200 is thermally coupled or connected to at least one outer surface of the container 1 10 (so as to permit thermal flow therebetween), and it is not necessary that the lighting apparatus 200 is mechanically (possibly directly) connected to at least one outer surface of the container 1 10. According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention the outer surface 1 18 is an outer surface of a wall of the container 1 10. The lighting apparatus 200 may be mechanically directly connected to the outer surface 1 18 of the container 1 10 for example by means of soldering, gluing, or any other appropriate means or technique known in the art.

The heat transferring arrangement 100 is configured to transfer thermal energy that is absorbed at the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 to the heat dissipating chamber 1 17. The container 1 10 is configured such that heat which is transferred from the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 to the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 can be dissipated from the heat transferring arrangement 100 by way of heat transfer through a wall section 1 13 of the container 1 10.

The heat transferring arrangement 100 comprises a compressor unit 130. The compressor unit 130 is interposed between the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 and the heat dissipating chamber 1 17. The compressor unit 130 is separating the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 from the heat dissipating chamber 1 17. According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first inner spaces 1 15, 1 19 are further defined by (opposite sides of) the compressor unit 130. The fluid to be used in the heat transferring arrangement 100 is selected - and the heat transferring arrangement 100 is arranged with a pressure therein - such that at least a portion of the fluid in the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 is evaporated by heat that is generated by the lighting apparatus 200 and transferred to the heat absorbing chamber 1 16. Heat transferred to the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 is indicated in Figure 1 by the arrow within the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 pointing to the right. As mentioned in the foregoing, the fluid may be two-phase fluid which for example may comprise water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, ammonia, or possibly any mixture thereof. The compressor unit 130 is configured to compress evaporated fluid in the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 and transport the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 (this fluid transport is indicated by the arrow over the compressor unit 130 pointing upward). At least a portion of the compressed fluid in the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 condenses when it cools by dissipation of heat from the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 through the wall section 1 13 of the container 1 10. Heat that is dissipated through the wall section 1 13 of the container 1 10 is indicated in Figure 1 by the arrow within the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 pointing to the left.

The compressor unit 130 comprises a fluid compressing module, schematically shown at 131, comprising at least one moving part (not shown in Figure 1) configured to receive evaporated fluid from the heat absorbing chamber 1 16, compress the evaporated fluid, and transport the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber 1 17. The compressor unit 130 comprises an actuating module 132 configured to actuate the at least one moving part to move so that it or they receive evaporated fluid from the heat absorbing chamber 1 16, compress the evaporated fluid, and transport the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 (or so that the at least one moving part at least effects these actions). The compressor unit 130 may for example comprise a scroll compressor, as further described in the following with reference to Figure 3. A scroll compressor is compressor type in which two so called scrolls perform a relative orbiting motion, and where substantially symmetrical compression chambers for fluid such as a gas are formed between the two scrolls. The scrolls may be constituted by spiral-shaped fins. As illustrated in Figure 1, the actuating module 132 may be arranged externally with respect to the container 1 10. The actuating module 132 may for example comprise at least one electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator configured to controllably generate forces which actuate the at least one moving part (e.g., scrolls) to move so that the at least one moving part receives evaporated fluid from the heat absorbing chamber, compresses the evaporated fluid, and transports the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber 117.

The heat transferring arrangement 100 comprises a wick structure 120.

According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the wick structure 120 is coupled to the first inner surfaces 1 1 1, 1 12 so as to define a portion of the periphery, or outer perimeter, of the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber, respectively. As illustrated in Figure 1, the first inner surfaces 1 1 1, 1 12 may be lined with (portions of) the wick structure 120. The wick structure 120 may for example form a layer on the first inner surfaces 1 1 1, 1 12. The walls of the container 1 10 may be thermally conducting at the sections 1 13 and 1 14 thereof which comprise the first inner surfaces 1 1 1 and 1 12, respectively. The sections 1 13 and 1 14 of the walls of the container 1 10 may for example have a thermal conductivity exceeding 1 W / (m K), and may for example be made of one or more metals or metallic materials such as, for example, copper, brass, bronze, titanium, or stainless steel. The wick structure 120 may for example comprise at least one mesh or mesh screen, a plurality of (e.g., relatively fine) grooves, sintered powder, or any combination thereof. The wick structure 120 may for example comprise one or more meshes, which for example may be made of metal such as, for example, copper, and which meshes may have various mesh sizes in order to provide multiple sizes of pockets for the fluid. It is to be understood that these are all non-limiting examples of how the wick structure 120 may be configured or arranged, and that other configurations or arrangements of the wick structure 120 are possible. In principle, the wick structure 120 could for example comprise substantially any structure, element, or means, which has a capability of conveying or transporting liquid through the structure by means of capillary action, and where capillary forces in the wick structure (e.g., in the material(s) of the wick structure) drive the liquid transport through the structure. The wick structure 120 is arranged so as to allow for transport of condensed fluid through the wick structure 120 from the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 to the heat absorbing chamber 1 16, without the condensed fluid having to go via, or pass through, the compressor unit 130. The material of the wick structure 120 should preferably be compatible with the fluid, for example so as to reduce or eliminate any unwanted reactions between the material of the wick structure 120 and the fluid.

The container 1 10 has another wall section 122 that comprises a second inner surface 123, which is a circumferential surface and which in part defines a second inner space 124, which accommodates the compressor unit 130. The section 122 of the wall of the container 1 10 may be made of material that permits the at least one electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator to generate the forces which actuate the at least one moving part. A portion of the wick structure 120 is coupled to the second inner surface 123 so as to allow for the transport of condensed fluid through the wick structure 120 from the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 to the heat absorbing chamber 1 16. The wick structure 120 may for example form a layer on the second inner surfaces 123. The portion of the wick structure 120 coupled to the second inner surfaces 123 may for example have a thickness (e.g., an average thickness across the portion of the wick structure 120) of less than 0.1 mm, although larger thicknesses are possible. The portion of the wick structure 120 coupled to the first inner surfaces 1 1 1, 1 12 may for example have a thickness (e.g., an average thickness across the portion of the wick structure 120) that is more than 0.1 mm, although smaller thicknesses are possible. The walls of the container may be thermally insulating at the section 122 thereof which comprises the second inner surface 123. The section 122 of the wall of the container 1 10 may for example have a thermal conductivity less than 1 W / (m K), and may for example be made of a glass material and/or a plastic material. According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the wall section 122 is defined by a 'slice' substantially at the middle of the cylindrical container 1 10, between the ends thereof. The portion of the wick structure 120 that is coupled to the second inner surface 123 may be fluidly sealed and/or thermally insulated from the compressor unit 130. The portion of the wick structure 120 that is coupled to the second inner surface 123 may for example be fluidly sealed and/or thermally insulated from the compressor unit 130 by means of a fluidly sealing and/or thermally insulating cover (not shown in Figure 1) which may be provided between the compressor unit 130 and the wick structure 120. By fluidly sealing the portion of the wick structure 120 that is coupled to the second inner surface 123 from the compressor unit 130, evaporation of liquid out of the wick structure 120 at the second inner surface 123 (or at the wall section 122) to vapor which may enter the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 may be reduced or even prevented. Similarly, condensation of vapor which may enter the wick structure 120 at the second inner surface 123 (or at the wall section 122) - and subsequently enter the heat dissipating chamber 1 17— may be reduced or even prevented. Further, by thermally insulating the portion of the wick structure 120 that is coupled to the second inner surface 123 from the compressor unit 130, any heat exchange between the wick structure 120 and the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 and the heat absorbing chamber 1 16, respectively, which may occur at the wall section 122 (including any heat exchange e.g. due to evaporation of liquid out of the wick structure 120, as mentioned in the foregoing) may be reduced or even eliminated.

By way of the compressor unit 130, which is configured to compress evaporated fluid in the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 and transport the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber 1 17, and the wick structure 120 which permits transport of the liquid phase of the fluid through the wick structure 120, e.g., by way of capillary action, back to the heat absorbing chamber 1 16, the heat transferring arrangement 100 may be relatively compact, for example as compared to vapor-compression refrigeration systems used in household refrigerators and air conditioning systems as well as in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.

There should preferably be a good balance between capillary pressure and hydraulic flow resistance in the wick structure 120. The material of the wick structure 120 and the fluid should preferably be selected so that the fluid has a relatively high wettability (degree of wetting) and a relatively high surface tension, and so that the size of pores, mesh size and/or pockets for the fluid of the wick structure 120 are small enough for them to withstand the pressure difference built up by gravity along the extension of a fluid transport path through the wick structure 120 (e.g., the height of the wick structure 120). The capillary pressure should be able to withstand at least the pressure difference built up by gravity along the extension of a fluid transport path through the wick structure 120.

As indicated in the foregoing, the container may have different wall sections 1 13, 1 14, 122, which may exhibit different thermal conductivity, and which may be made of or comprise different materials. The different wall sections of the container 1 10 may for example be joined by means of any appropriate joining means or technique as known in the art, such as, for example, soldering. For example in case the wall sections 1 13 and 1 14 are made of one or more metals and the wall section 122 is made of glass, a glass-to-metal seal, which as such is known in the art, may for example be used to bond or connect the wall sections 1 13 and 1 14 to the wall section 122.

The fluid may for example comprise or be constituted by water. With water, sub-atmospheric pressures in the container 1 10 may be achieved up to 100 °C or about 100 °C of the condenser chamber (the heat dissipating chamber 1 17). At sub-atmospheric pressures in the container 1 10, the liquid water may be contained in the wick structure 120 by capillary action. The relatively high surface tension of water may hold the liquid water in the wick structure 120 against the pressure difference between the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 and the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 by gravity, provided that the pores, mesh size and/or pockets for the fluid of the wick structure 120 are small enough. The wick structure 120 may when filled with liquid water become 'sealed' so as to prevent or at least impede transport of water in the vapor phase to the evaporator chamber (the heat absorbing chamber 1 16). Water has a relatively high evaporation enthalpy, which may entail that only relatively low amounts of vapor need to be transported from the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 to the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 by the compressor unit 130 in order to generate a transfer of thermal energy from the relatively cold side (heat absorbing chamber 1 16) to the relatively warm side (the heat dissipating chamber 1 17).

As indicated in the foregoing, the heat transferring arrangement 100 is based on a vapor-compression cycle which utilizes the fluid as a working fluid, wherein the refrigeration cycle is implemented by the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 and the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 of the container 1 10 functioning as a condenser section and as an evaporator section, respectively. The heat absorbing chamber 1 16 and the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 may be operated at different vapor pressures, wherein the difference in vapor pressure between the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 and the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 may be generated by means of the compressor unit 130. The liquid phase of the fluid can be returned to the evaporator chamber (the heat absorbing chamber 1 16), which may be at a relatively low pressure, from the condenser chamber (the heat dissipating chamber 1 17), which may be at a relatively high pressure, by way of the wick structure 120, which is configured such that it permits transport of the liquid phase of the fluid through the wick structure 120 for example by way of capillary action.

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional side view of a system 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The system 300 illustrated in Figure 2 is similar to the system 300 illustrated in Figure 1, and the same reference numerals in Figures 1 and 2 denote the same or similar components, having the same or similar functionality. The system 300 illustrated in Figure 2 differs from the system 300 illustrated in Figure 1 in that the heat transferring arrangement 100 illustrated in Figure 2 comprises a heat sink 140 in order to further facilitate heat dissipation from the heat dissipating chamber 1 17 through the walls of the container 1 10. The heat sink 140 is at least thermally coupled to an outer surface 139 of the container 1 10, which outer surface 139 is at the heat dissipating chamber 1 17. The heat sink 140 may be directly coupled to an outer surface of the container 1 10, or indirectly coupled to an outer surface of the container 1 10, for example via one or more intermediate components such as, for example, a heat spreader and/or a thermal interface material (not shown in Figure 2). The heat sink 140 (and possibly the one or more intermediate components) may be mechanically connected to an outer surface (e.g., the outer surface 139) of the container 1 10, for example by means of soldering, gluing, or any other appropriate means or technique known in the art. According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the heat sink 140 comprises a fin structure 141 comprising a plurality of fins for - as known in the art - increasing the available surface area for cooling by convection.

Figure 3 is a schematic sectional side view of a heat transferring arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The heat transferring arrangement 100 illustrated in Figure 3 is similar to the heat transferring arrangements 100 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals in Figures 1 and 2 and in Figure 3 denote the same or similar components, having the same or similar functionality.

The fluid compressing module 131 of the compressor unit 130 of the heat transferring arrangement 100 illustrated in Figure 3 comprises a first member 151 and a second member 161. Figures 4 and 5 are schematic views of the first member 151 and the second member 161, respectively, which may be comprised in the fluid compressing module 131 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

With further reference to Figures 3 to 5, the first member 151 comprises a first base 152 and a first spiral wrap 153 extending from the first base 152. The second member 161 comprises a second base 162 and a second spiral wrap 163 extending from the second base 162. The first spiral wrap 153 and the second spiral wrap 163 are interleaved, or interfitted. The fluid compressing module 131 comprises an inlet 137, which permits evaporated fluid in the heat absorbing chamber 1 16 to enter between the first spiral wrap 153 and the second spiral wrap 163. It is to be understood that the first spiral wrap 153 and the second spiral wrap 163 illustrated in Figure 3 are only very schematic. While the first spiral wrap 153 and the second spiral wrap 163 illustrated in Figure 3 indicate the respective positions thereof in relation to other components of the heat transferring module 100, they for example do not show the individual wraps or layers of the first spiral wrap 153 and the second spiral wrap 163, respectively. As indicated in Figures 4 and 5, the first spiral wrap 153 and the second spiral wrap 163 are interleaved, or interfitted. According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first member 151 is stationary (that is, not movable, and possibly fixedly arranged in the fluid compressing module 131), and the second member 161 is movable relatively to the first member 151. The second member 161 can be moved relatively to the stationary first member 151 so as to result in an orbiting motion of the second spiral wrap 163 relatively to the first spiral wrap 153, such that a volume of fluid in at least one space (not indicated in Figure 3) between the first spiral wrap 153 and the second spiral wrap 163 consecutively changes during the orbiting motion, whereby the fluid is compressed and a flow of fluid between the first spiral wrap 153 and the second spiral wrap 163 is generated. The actuating module 132 is configured to controllably move the second member 161 resulting in the orbiting motion of the second spiral wrap 163 relatively to the first spiral wrap 153. The fluid compressing module 131 comprises an outlet 138 (e.g., in the form of a through-hole in the first base 152 such as indicated in Figure 4), which is comprised in the first member 151 for outputting the flow of fluid generated between the first spiral wrap 153 and the second spiral wrap 163 to the heat dissipating chamber 1 17.

It is to be understood that according to one or more embodiments of the present invention both the first member 151 and the second member 161 may be movable, and possibly both of them may be moved so as to result in an orbiting motion of one of the first spiral wrap 153 and the second spiral wrap 163 relatively to the other one of the first spiral wrap 153 and the second spiral wrap 163. According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the actuating module 132 comprises electromagnetic actuators 132, which are configured to controllably generate electromagnetic forces which affect the second member 161 in order to controllably move the second member 161 so as to result in the orbiting motion. The electromagnetic actuators 132 may for example be linear actuators.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 3, the electromagnetic actuators 132 may generate electromagnetic forces which indirectly or directly affect the second member 161 in order to controllably move the second member 161 so as to result in the orbiting motion. The compressor unit 130 may comprise a support structure 133-136 configured to resiliently or elastically support the second member 161 in the compressor unit 130 while permitting movement of the second member 161 resulting in the orbiting motion. The electromagnetic actuators 132 may be configured to controllably apply electromagnetic forces onto at least a portion of the support structure 133- 136 and/or possibly on at least a portion of the second member 161 in order to controllably move the second member 161 so as to result in the orbiting motion, wherein the movement of the second member 161 may be effected by way of the resilient supporting of the second member 161 by the support structure 133-136.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 3 the support structure 133-136 comprises a plurality of springs 133, 134, 136. The springs 133, 134, 136 may for example comprise or be constituted by leaf springs, which for example may be made of steel. It is however to be understood that the springs may be constituted by or comprise other types of springs.

The second member 161 may be resiliently supported by means of the springs 133, 134, 136. As indicated in Figure 3, each of the springs 133, 134 provides for a resilient or flexible interconnection of the second member 161 with a fixed portion of the compressor unit 130. By way of example, the fixed portion of the compressor unit 130 may be constituted by the first member 151, which as mentioned in the foregoing may be stationary. That is, the first member 151 may be not movable, and may possibly be fixedly arranged in the compressor unit 130. The fixed portion of the compressor unit 130 may in alternative or in addition be constituted by another portion or other portions of the compressor unit 130. By way of the resilient supporting of the second member 161 by the support structure 133-136 the second member 161 may be movable along two mutually perpendicular imaginary axes. One of the axes is the axis "x" indicated in Figure 3. The other axis y is perpendicular to the axis x, and is directed into the plane depicted in Figure 3. That is, the other axis y is extending in a direction which is perpendicular to the plane depicted in Figure 3.

The movement of the second member 161 along the axis x may be achieved by way of the arrangement of the pair of springs 133, 134 wherein the second member 161 is interposed in between the pair of springs 133, 134 in a direction along the axis x. The movement of the second member 161 along the other axis y, which is perpendicular to the axis x, may be achieved by way of an arrangement of a pair of springs which includes the spring 163 and another spring, which is not shown in Figure 3, and which is arranged behind the spring 136 in Figure 3. That other spring may for example comprise or be constituted by a leaf spring, just as the springs 133, 134, 136 may be. The spring 136 and the other spring which is arranged behind the spring 136 are arranged so that the second member 161 is interposed in between those springs in a direction along the axis y that is perpendicular to the axis x.

Each of the springs 133, 134, 136 (and the other spring, which is not shown in Figure 3 and which is arranged behind the spring 136 in Figure 3) may be connected to an intermediate body 135. The intermediate body 135, which is optional, may be movable along an axis parallel to the axis x.

The electromagnetic actuators 132 are configured to controllably apply electromagnetic forces onto at least a portion of the second member 161 and/or the support structure 133-136, for example onto at least a portion of the springs 133, 134, in order to controllably move the second member 161 along the axis x in an oscillatory motion. The compressor unit 130 (or actuating module 132) may comprise additional electromagnetic actuators (not shown in Figure 3) which may be configured to controllably apply

electromagnetic forces onto at least a portion of the second member 161 and/or the support structure 133-136, for example onto at least a portion of the spring 136, and the other spring which is arranged behind the spring 136, in order to controllably move the second member 161 along the axis y that is perpendicular to the axis x in an oscillatory motion. Thereby, by way of the electromagnetic actuators, the second member 161 may be controllably moved along the respective ones of the above-mentioned axes x and y, in respective oscillatory motions, so as to result in the orbiting motion. Possibly, the second member 161 may be controllably moved by way of the electromagnetic actuators (inter alia the electromagnetic actuators 132) along the respective ones of the above-mentioned axes x and y, in respective oscillatory motions having controllable amplitude and/or phase, so as to result in the orbiting motion. The respective oscillatory movements along the axes x and y may for example have an oscillation frequency between about 20 Hz and about 50 Hz. The respective oscillatory movements along the axes x and y may have a phase difference of 90° (π/2 radians), or about 90° (e.g., the oscillations being phase-shifted relatively to each other), and possibly have the same (or substantially the same) amplitude.

While a particular embodiment of the present invention has been described in the foregoing with reference to Figures 3 to 5 for illustrating an arrangement where the actuating module 132 of the compressor unit 130 is arranged externally with respect to the container 1 10, it is to be understood that this arrangement is according to a non-limiting example and that other ways of achieving that the actuating module 132 of the compressor unit 130 is arranged externally with respect to the container 1 10 are possible.

Furthermore, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the actuating module 132 may in part be arranged externally with respect to the container 1 10. For example, the second member 161 may be provided with one or more elongated elements such as beams or the like which for example may be connected to the second base 162 thereof. The beam(s) may be extending through the walls of the container 1 10 (e.g., at the wall sections 122 thereof), which walls may be provided with flexible portions that facilitate or allow for the beam(s) to extend through the walls of the container 1 10 and at the time facilitate or allow for the beam(s) to effect (possibly controllable) displacement or movement of the second member 161 (and hence the second spiral wrap 163). The flexible portions could for example comprise metal bellows or the like, which may serve to provide the required flexibility of portions of the walls of the container 1 10 while keeping the container 1 10 fluidly sealed (e.g., hermetically sealed). The container 1 10 walls could for example be made of stainless steel, and might for example have a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less, for example 0.35 mm or less. The beam(s) may be actuated for example by means of a linear electromagnetic drive system so as to controllably move the second member 161 resulting in an orbiting motion of the second spiral wrap 163 relatively to the first spiral wrap 153 of the first member 151, such as described in the foregoing with reference to Figures 3 to 5. There may be a plurality of the above-mentioned beams, which for example may be arranged (substantially) in a common plane, and possibly be arranged symmetrically with respect to a perimeter of the outer surface of the walls of the container 1 10 in that plane. The common plane may for example be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the container 1 10. In case there are several beams, they could for example be connected to an annular member (e.g., a ring or the like) arranged around the container 1 10. It is contemplated that the annular member could be actuated for example by means of an electromagnetic drive system or an electrical motor, whereby the beams may be connected to the annular member such that by the actuation thereof, the beams are actuated so as to effect movement of the second member 161 resulting in an orbiting motion of the second spiral wrap 163 relatively to the first spiral wrap 153 of the first member 151, such as described in the foregoing with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

In conclusion a heat transferring arrangement is disclosed, which comprises a container having therein a heat absorbing chamber and a heat dissipating chamber.

Embodiments of the heat transferring arrangement are based on a vapor-compression cycle which utilizes a two-phase fluid as a working fluid, wherein the refrigeration cycle is realized or implemented with a heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber functioning as a condenser section and as an evaporator section, respectively. The heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber may be operated at different vapor pressures, wherein the difference in vapor pressure between the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber may be generated or realized by way of a compressor unit interposed between the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber. The liquid phase of the working fluid can be returned to the heat absorbing chamber, which may be at a relatively low pressure, from the heat dissipating chamber, which may be at a relatively high pressure, by way of a wick structure which permits transport of the liquid phase of the working fluid therethrough e.g. by way of capillary action.

While the present invention has been illustrated in the appended drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration is to be considered illustrative or exemplifying and not restrictive; the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the appended claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A heat transferring arrangement (100) for cooling of an apparatus (200) which when used may generate heat, the heat transferring arrangement comprising:

a container (1 10) having wall sections (1 13, 1 14) comprising first inner surfaces (1 1 1, 1 12) in part defining respective first inner spaces (1 15, 1 19) comprising a heat absorbing chamber (1 16) and a heat dissipating chamber (1 17), respectively, wherein the first inner spaces are at least in part filled with a fluid which may be in a liquid phase or a vapor phase, and wherein at least one outer surface (1 18) of the container is configured to be at least thermally coupled to the apparatus such that at least a portion of heat generated by the apparatus is transferred to and absorbed at the heat absorbing chamber;

wherein the heat transferring arrangement is configured to transfer thermal energy absorbed at the heat absorbing chamber to the heat dissipating chamber, and wherein the container is further configured such that heat transferred from the heat absorbing chamber to the heat dissipating chamber can be dissipated from the heat transferring arrangement by way of heat transfer through a wall section (1 13) of the container;

a compressor unit (130) accomodated in the container (1 10), said compressor being interposed between and separating the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber, wherein the fluid is selected and the heat transferring arrangement is arranged with a pressure therein such that at least a portion of the fluid in the heat absorbing chamber is evaporated by heat that is generated by the apparatus and transferred to the heat absorbing chamber, wherein the compressor unit is configured to compress evaporated fluid in the heat absorbing chamber and transport the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber, wherein at least a portion of the compressed fluid in the heat dissipating chamber condenses when it cools by dissipation of heat therefrom; and

a wick structure (120) arranged so as to allow for transport of condensed fluid through the wick structure from the heat dissipating chamber to the heat absorbing chamber.

2. A heat transferring arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the wick structure is coupled to the first inner surfaces of the container so as to define a portion of the periphery of the heat absorbing chamber and the heat dissipating chamber, respectively.

3. A heat transferring arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the walls of the container are thermally conducting at the sections (1 13, 1 14) thereof which comprise the first inner surfaces.

4. A heat transferring arrangement according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the container further has at least one wall section (122) comprising at least one second inner surface (123) in part defining a second inner space (124) which accommodates the compressor unit, wherein at least a portion of the wick structure is coupled to the at least one second inner surface so as to allow for the transport of condensed fluid through the wick structure from the heat dissipating chamber to the heat absorbing chamber.

5. A heat transferring arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the walls of the container are thermally insulating at the section(s) (122) thereof which comprises the at least one second inner surface.

6. A heat transferring arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least a portion of the wick structure that is coupled to the at least one second inner surface is fluidly sealed from the compressor unit.

7. A heat transferring arrangement according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the wick structure comprises at least one of: at least one mesh, a plurality of grooves, or sintered powder.

8. A heat transferring arrangement according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the compressor unit comprises:

a fluid compressing module (131) comprising at least one moving part (152, 153, 162, 163) configured to receive evaporated fluid from the heat absorbing chamber, compress the evaporated fluid, and transport the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber; and

an actuating module (132) configured to actuate the at least one moving part to move so that the at least one moving part receives evaporated fluid from the heat absorbing chamber, compresses the evaporated fluid, and transports the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber.

9. A heat transferring arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the actuating module comprises at least one electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator configured to controllably generate forces which actuate the at least one moving part to move so that the at least one moving part receives evaporated fluid from the heat absorbing chamber, compresses the evaporated fluid, and transports the compressed fluid to the heat dissipating chamber.

10. A heat transferring arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the actuating module is arranged externally with respect to the container, and wherein at least a section (122) of the wall of the container is made of material that permits the at least one

electromagnetic and/or electromechanical actuator to generate the forces which actuate the at least one moving part.

1 1. A heat transferring arrangement according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the fluid compressing module comprises:

a first member (151) comprising a first base (152) and a first spiral wrap (153) extending from the first base;

a second member (161) comprising a second base (162) and a second spiral wrap (163) extending from the second base, the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap being interleaved; and

an inlet (137) permitting evaporated fluid in the heat absorbing chamber to enter between the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap;

wherein the actuating module is configured to controllably move at least one of the first member and the second member resulting in an orbiting motion of one of the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap relatively to the other one of the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap such that a volume of fluid in at least one space between the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap consecutively changes during the orbiting motion, whereby the fluid is compressed and a flow of fluid between the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap is generated;

wherein the fluid compressing module further comprises:

an outlet (138), which is comprised in at least one of the first member and the second member, for outputting the flow of fluid generated between the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap to the heat dissipating chamber.

12. A heat transferring arrangement according claim 11, wherein the actuating module comprises at least one elongate member coupled to the at least one of the first member and the second member and configured to move the at least one of the first member and the second member so as to result in the orbiting motion, wherein the at least one elongate member extends through the walls of the container at at least one flexible portion thereof so as to permit actuation of the at least one elongate member from the outside of the container.

13. A heat transferring arrangement according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the container is arranged such that it is fluidly sealed.

14. A heat transferring arrangement according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the fluid comprises water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, ammonia, or any mixture thereof.

15. A system (300) comprising :

an apparatus (200) which when used may generate heat; and

a heat transferring arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein at least one outer surface (1 18) of the container is configured to be at least thermally coupled to the apparatus such that at least a portion of heat generated by the apparatus is transferred to and absorbed at the heat absorbing chamber (1 16).