Modern spacecraft are using Loop Heat Pipes (LHP) more frequently. However, there are no practical guidelines to help LHP users know how and when to use the active temperature control. Most spacecraft payloads and instruments must operate in a required, sometimes-narrow temperature range. Outside this temperature band the instruments either operate poorly or cease to operate. Radiator (sink) sizing can set the maximum permissible operating temperature, and active temperature control devices (TCD) provide lower margin of operation temperature. The LHP is a component of the spacecraft thermal control system, which, in most cases, functions as a system; therefore, LHP operation requires special consideration when using TCDs.It is shown that two major groups of TCD devices exist. The classification is based on the mechanism TCDs use to control the LHP temperature. A simple classification of different ways to control the temperature of LHP is presented. Basic physical principles and modes of operation for different types of active temperature control devices are discussed in the paper. Pros and cons of different types of TCD devices for different practical applications are highlighted and discussed.The detailed explanation, description and examples of the LHP temperature control approaches are presented in the paper. Some basic equations that allow prediction of power consumption for control are given for the thermal TCD approach.In conclusion, this paper presents the easy-to-use criteria for estimating the efficiency and quality of a LHP control approach.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Basics of Loop Heat Pipe Temperature Control


    Additional title:

    Sae Technical Papers


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    International Conference On Environmental Systems ; 1999



    Publication date :

    1999-07-12




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    Basics of Loop Heat Pipe Temperature Control

    Nikitkin, M. / Kotlyarov, E. / Serov, G. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1999


    Precision Temperature Control with a Loop Heat Pipe

    Bodendieck, Frank / Goncharov, Konstantin / Romberg, Oliver et al. | SAE Technical Papers | 2005


    LOOP HEAT PIPE AND LOOP HEAT PIPE EVAPORATOR

    YAMAMOTO MASAYUKI | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access

    Temperature Oscillations in Loop Heat Pipe Operation

    Ku, J. / Ottenstein, L. / Kobel, M. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2001