Two-Phase Thermal Systems for Space Application–European Development and Test Results

This paper gives a general overview of the objectives of European two-phase heat transport systems as well as of their development status.

In particular the actual design of the ESA funded development program “Two-Phase Heat Transport Systems - Critical Components” will be shown.

Results are also reported on an extensive program of development of heat absorbing components for an application in two-phase thermal systems sponsored by the German Ministry of Research and Technology. The objectives of this project were to design, manufacture and test three types of evaporators or cold plates, two of them designed for an application in a mechanically pumped loop and one foreseen to operate as evaporative capillary pump in a capillary pumped loop.

Finally a short outlook is given on the planned future European two-phase development activities.