METHOD OF OPERATION OF THERMAL TUBE Russian patent published in 1995 - IPC

FIELD: solar-energy engineering and heat-power engineering. SUBSTANCE: rotation of thermal tube and return of condensate from condensation zone are effected due to summation of two opposite effects: effect of increasing of pressure of liquid in enclosed volume during condensation of vapor of this liquid in pores of capillary porous walls bounding this volume and reduction of pressure at evaporation of liquid from capillary tubes. Part of work made due to torque arising on the tube is consumed for overcoming friction forces and other part of work is used for driving the on-board units. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency. 2 dwg