Analytic characterization and operational limits of a hybrid two-phase mechanically pumped fluid loop based on the capillary pumped loop. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferreira, Julio; Furst, Benjamin; Daimaru, Takuro; Sunada, Eric; Kaviany, Massoud
• Is Part Of: International journal of heat and mass transfer. Volume 183:Part A(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Pumped loop heat pipe -- Dryout limit -- Flooding limit -- Phase distribution -- Stability -- Transient; Heat -- Transmission -- Periodicals; Mass transfer -- Periodicals; Chaleur -- Transmission -- Périodiques; Transfert de masse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 621.4022
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2021.122019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-9310

Abstract

Abstract: Two-phase mechanically pumped fluid loops have the potential to provide numerous benefits for spacecraft based applications. Here a hybrid two-phase capillary and mechanically pumped fluid loop that shows promise for spacecraft thermal control applications is analyzed and its operational limits are characterized. Data from an experimental system that incorporates a 3D printed evaporator is correlated to several models that together provide a comprehensive characterization of the system behavior. The loop performance is analyzed using pointwise as well volume-averaged governing equations and resistance network models, to predict flooding and dryout limits. Also, system-level numerical (including 3-D CFD simulations) transient and linear-response analyses are performed predicting the changing loop phase distributions and the observed time-dependent behavior. With the 3D-printed evaporator, a notably high evaporator conductance of 30 W/cm 2 -K and heat flux over 10 W/cm 2 over large area are achieved with negligible temperature non-uniformity.