Flat Tubular Heat Pipe for Satellite Thermal Mass Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pipe systems for satellite thermal control are oversized, leading to significant excess mass and inefficient heat collection and transport due to limited thermal coupling between equipment panels and radiators, especially in constrained satellite geometries.
Innovation Solution
A thermal regulation device utilizing a two-phase fluid system with a thin, flat heat exchange zone and a tubular heat transport zone connected via capillary nodes, allowing for efficient heat exchange and transport while minimizing mass and size, and accommodating non-planar geometries through deformable zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional tubular heat pipes are used for heat transport, then heat transport function is achieved, but the system becomes oversized with significant excess mass
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe system is divided into two distinct functional zones: a flat heat exchange zone with extended internal cavity for efficient heat collection from equipment panels, and a tubular heat transport zone for heat transfer to radiators. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall mass while maintaining heat collection capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different structural configurations are applied to different parts of the heat pipe system. The heat exchange zone features an extended internal cavity with grooves for maximum thermal coupling with equipment panels, while the transport zone uses a simpler tubular structure optimized for heat transfer. This local differentiation eliminates unnecessary mass in the transport zone while preserving heat collection efficiency.
2Temperature
If the number of heat pipes is increased to improve heat exchange performance, then thermal gradients are minimized, but the system complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heat pipe functions (heat collection, heat transport, and heat distribution) are merged into a single integrated heat pipe structure with both flat heat exchange zones and tubular transport zones. This unified structure reduces the total number of discrete heat pipes needed while maintaining effective thermal coupling and gradient control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid heat pipe structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but thermal deformations cause shear forces that risk breaking the device
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe structure incorporates deformable zones with reduced rigidity that allow the structure to dynamically adapt to thermal expansions and contractions. These zones act as flexible joints that absorb thermal stresses while maintaining the overall structural integrity and thermal coupling between the heat exchange zone, transport zone, and radiator interfaces.
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 solution reduces the mass of the heat collection and transport system, enhances thermal coupling between equipment panels and radiators, and effectively manages thermal deformations, achieving efficient heat transfer with reduced complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a two-phase fluid system with a thin, flat heat exchange zone and a tubular heat transport zone
Implementation Method 2
the liquid contained in the heat pipe vaporizes by absorbing heat
Implementation Method 3
The gas then condenses, releasing the previously absorbed heat
Implementation Method 4
The necessary circulation of the liquid between the cold zone and the hot zone is commonly done by capillarity
Implementation Method 5
The vapor thus created propagates inside the heat pipe to another part of the heat pipe, called the cold zone
Implementation Method 6
Heat pipes are conventionally used to perform the heat transport function
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchange and transfer device that consists of a closed cavity containing a biphasic fluid and includes: at least one heat exchange area comprising a flat chamber configured in the shape of a space, the size of which is significantly smaller than the other two, typically at least ten times smaller, said flat chamber having a first capillary structure on all or part of the inner surface thereof, enabling the fluid in the liquid form thereof to wet said first capillary structure, at least one heat transport area configured in the shape of at least one tube having a second capillary structure over all or part of the inner face thereof, said flat chamber and said at least one tube being connected such that the vapor can circulate freely in the entire cavity, and that capillarity continuity is ensured between the first and second capillary structures so that the liquid can wet the entire resulting capillary structure.