Mathematical Modeling of Multiple Evaporator/Multiple Condenser LHPs Using EcosimPro

To solve the thermal control problems of modern spacecraft with complex payloads and configurations, there is an increasing demand for multiple evaporator and/or multiple condenser loop heat pipes (LHPs). As a result, several initiatives, including flight demonstration, are being proposed and research is under way. It is well known that mathematical modeling of a conventional LHP is highly challenging due to the complex two-phase phenomena involved. In the case of multiple evaporator/condenser LHPs, there are additional difficulties since it is necessary to take into account the dynamic interactions between the evaporators and condensers.

A mathematical model for multiple evaporator/condenser LHP configurations is developed within EcosimPro. In this paper, the overall formulation and main assumptions of the mathematical model are explained. The simulation results obtained for both steady-state and transient regimes are presented.