Heat exchangers are used to improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems in domestic and industrial applications and can be found in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC) equipment, as well as chemical, oil and gas, and power plants, among others. Depending on the device and application, different types of heat exchanges are used. For example, heat sinks in laptops prevent overheating, heat pumps keep refrigerators cool and heat pipes of different size and configurations are used from laptops to commercial centralised air-conditioning systems.
Heat Pipe Technology is an SME that distributes and installs heat pipe systems to reduce chiller loads of centralised air-conditioning systems in Singapore. With over a decade of experience in the heat exchanger market, it recognised the need to leverage innovative technologies to diversify and develop new products to set it apart from low-cost alternatives in a highly competitive sector and grow its business.
Keen to explore external collaborations, Heat Pipe Technology approached IPI to tap on its network to source for heat transfer related technologies. Through a technology scanning service, a two-phase heat sink invention from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), was identified as a viable technology for licensing. An option agreement with NTUitive, the innovation and enterprise company of NTU, was subsequently signed in end 2014 to develop the initial concept into a heat exchanger that can be applied to consumer electronic and air conditioning systems.
“This collaboration facilitated by IPI has helped Heat Pipe become a product owner. We are excited that a prototype has since been developed and are currently working with partners to carry out further fine-tuning, and performance improvement of the product. We are open to explore collaboration opportunities with parties seeking to incorporate our heat exchanger into their product or thermal management solution,” said Thomas Cheong, Founder and Director of Heat Pipe Technology.
