In HVAC systems, what is the purpose of a heat pipe?

The purpose of a heat pipe in HVAC systems is to transfer heat through the processes of evaporation and condensation. This technology takes advantage of the latent heat of phase changes, where a liquid turns into a vapor and then back into a liquid.

In practical applications, a heat pipe contains a working fluid that evaporates at low temperatures when heat is applied. The vapor then travels to a cooler section of the pipe, where it loses heat and condenses back into a liquid. This cyclical process allows the heat pipe to efficiently move heat from one area to another, making it an effective tool for heat exchange in various HVAC applications.

Heat pipes are commonly used in systems designed for energy efficiency, contributing to operations such as heat recovery and thermal regulation in buildings, while also being relatively compact and lightweight compared to traditional heat exchangers. This is what distinguishes their function from merely distributing air or serving as a heating source, as they specifically facilitate heat transfer through their unique operational principles.