This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
The Variable Effective Surface Radiator, Novel Heat Switch Technology Based on the Oscillating Heat Pipe Principle
Technical Paper
2006-01-2168
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
This paper describes a novel mechanism for heat switch applications in space. The VARiable Effective Surface Radiator (VARES) is a heat switch based on the Oscillating Heat Pipe (OHP) principle. In general all power consuming space objects need radiator surface to radiate surplus of heat. However when switched off the power dissipating objects (electronics) will decrease to unacceptable low temperatures present in space. To overcome this design challenge, several solutions are available such as paraffin heat switches, thermal louvers, and loop heat pipes. Objective of all is to isolate the electronics from the radiator (low temperatures) when switched off. The work described in this paper is performed at NLR on the development of the VARES-radiator for application in spacecraft thermal control systems. The VARES makes use of the property of oscillating heat pipes whereby at low temperatures the oscillation process stops. Therefore it is in principle possible to vary the effective radiator area and thus the power dissipation to the environment. The work presented contains an explanation of the principle of operation in hot and cold conditions, descriptions of performed tests, and VARES breadboards test results. Further it describes design improvements to start the VARES after long cold periods. It is demonstrated that with the right choice of variables (Working fluid and fill charge) an OHP can be used as a heat switch in space applications.
Recommended Content
Technical Paper | Lunar Dust Contamination Effects on Lunar Base Thermal Control Systems |
Technical Paper | Rear Lamp Control System Using Solid State Relay |
Technical Paper | Usability Evaluation of Integrated Switch System |
Authors
Topic
Citation
Bsibsi, M., van Donk, G., Pauw, A., van Es., J. et al., "The Variable Effective Surface Radiator, Novel Heat Switch Technology Based on the Oscillating Heat Pipe Principle," SAE Technical Paper 2006-01-2168, 2006, https://doi.org/10.4271/2006-01-2168.Also In
References
- Akachi, H Polashek, F. ‘Pulsating heat pipes; a new challenge in heat pipe technology” 9 th Int. Heat Pipe Conf. Albuquerque, New Mexico 1995
- Khrustalev, D.K. ‘Thin copper-water heat pipe plate for electronics cooling’ Non-compression refrigeration & cooling Odessa 1999
- Akachi, H. Polasek, F. ‘Pulsating heat pipes for space and avionic applications’ CPL ‘96 Int. Workshop (ESA/ESTEC) The Netherlands 1996
- Tachikawa, S. Ohnishi A. Shimazaki, K. ‘Design and ground test results of variable emittance radiators’ ICES 2000 Toulouse, France
- Chandrasekhar P. et al. ‘Variable emittance panels for thermal control on the ST-5 satellite mission 2003 The Aerospace Corporation El Segundo Ca, USA 2002
- Novak K. et al. Wax Actuated Heat Switch Development Space thermal control workshop The Aerospace corporation El Segundo Ca, USA 2002