Cryogenic Loop Heat Pipe Heat Switching Without Separate Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat switches in cryogenic environments, such as those used in spacecraft, are cumbersome, energy-inefficient, and require additional devices and power, making them difficult to maintain and operate at user-desired times due to fixed operating temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A heat switch device utilizing a cryogenic loop heat pipe that thermally connects or disconnects a heating unit and a cooling unit using the structure and operating characteristics of the loop heat pipe, eliminating the need for a separate heat switch by employing a working fluid that changes phase to facilitate heat transfer and blocking, with a heater and condenser configuration that allows for power control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional heat switch is installed in the heat transfer link, then the heat transfer can be switched on/off, but the system weight and complexity increase due to additional devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat switch function with the heat transfer link by integrating a variable thermal conductivity material directly into the heat transfer path between the heat generating unit and heat dissipation unit. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical switches, relays, or actuators, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the heat transfer switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer link serves dual functions: it acts as both the thermal conduction path and the switching mechanism. The variable thermal conductivity material within the link can dynamically adjust its thermal conductivity based on external conditions (temperature, electric field, magnetic field), allowing the same component to perform both heat transfer and heat blocking functions without requiring additional specialized devices.
2Reliability
If a conventional heat switch is installed in the heat transfer link, then the heat transfer can be switched on/off, but the system weight increases due to additional devices
Solution Approach 1:
The heat switch function is merged into the existing heat transfer link structure, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components such as moving parts, actuators, and housing. The variable thermal conductivity material is integrated directly into the thermal path, significantly reducing the additional weight that would be required for conventional switching mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a conventional heat switch is used, then heat transfer can be controlled, but additional power consumption is required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes materials whose thermal conductivity can be changed in response to external stimuli such as temperature changes, electric fields, or magnetic fields. By applying a small external field or temperature change, the thermal conductivity of the material transitions between high and low states, enabling heat transfer control with minimal energy input compared to conventional actuators that require continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable thermal conductivity material can respond autonomously to environmental conditions or applied fields without requiring external power sources or control systems. The material's inherent properties allow it to switch between thermal conduction states based on the applied stimulus, eliminating the need for additional power-consuming control electronics or mechanical actuators.
4Reliability
If a conventional heat switch with fixed operating temperature is used, then the switch operates at predetermined conditions, but it cannot operate at user-desired times or temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable thermal conductivity materials that can be tuned or controlled to respond at different temperature thresholds or external field conditions. This allows the heat transfer link to be activated or deactivated at user-desired temperatures or times by adjusting the material's response characteristics, providing flexibility that fixed-temperature conventional switches cannot achieve.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces system weight and complexity, enabling operation at user-specified times with high heat transfer and blocking efficiency, and simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need for additional devices and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a working fluid accommodated therein is circulated and which connects between the heating unit and the cooling unit to exchange heat
Implementation Method 2
a first evaporator connected to the heating unit, a condenser connected to the cooling unit
Implementation Method 3
a condenser connected to the cooling unit, a liquid transfer pipe connecting between the first evaporation and the condenser to move liquids
Implementation Method 4
a heater heating the second evaporator
Implementation Method 5
a second evaporator connected to the condenser; and a heater heating the second evaporator
Implementation Method 6
a working fluid accommodated therein is circulated and which connects between the heating unit and the cooling unit to exchange heat
Implementation Method 7
a cryogenic loop heat pipe provided in a spacecraft includes: a heating unit; a cooling unit; the cryogenic loop heat pipe in which a working fluid accommodated therein is circulated and which connects between the heating unit and the cooling unit to exchange heat
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a heat switch device using a cryogenic loop heat pipe and a method therefor, and more specifically, to a heat switch device using a cryogenic loop heat pipe and a method therefor, wherein the cryogenic loop heat pipe is configured to be operable at a cryogenic temperature, the heat switch device can perform the operation of a heat switch for heat transfer and heat blocking, by using the structure of the cryogenic loop heat pipe, without a separate heat switch, thereby reducing the weight and complexity of a system, compared to a conventional configuration, the heat switch can be operated at a user's desired time, and the heat switch device can be used even in a cryogenic environment, and performs heat exchange by using a gas-liquid phase change, thereby effectively providing high heat transfer and heat blocking effects.