Reflective Panel Assembly With Hinged Heat Pipes for Space Power Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Space-based power generation systems face challenges in managing thermal energy, especially with high concentration ratios, leading to increased mass and complexity, particularly when powering devices requiring high power levels like radar and lidar systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of heat pipes to communicate thermal energy between reflective panels and a cold plate, while hinging the panels to allow for movement and efficient thermal energy rejection, reduces system mass and complexity by integrating thermal management with the structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If concentrated photovoltaic cells are used to produce high power levels, then power generation efficiency is improved, but thermal energy management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal energy management functions with the structural support system by integrating heat pipes into the panel assembly structure. The heat pipes are embedded within the panel support framework, allowing thermal conduction through existing structural components rather than adding separate thermal management systems. This merging approach manages thermal energy from concentrated photovoltaic cells while maintaining structural integrity and reducing overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If structures for thermal energy management are incorporated, then thermal energy management capability is improved, but system mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing heat pipes that simultaneously serve thermal conduction and structural support functions. The heat pipes are integrated into the panel assembly framework, where they act as both thermal pathways for heat removal and mechanical support elements for positioning photovoltaic cells and reflective panels. This universal design eliminates the need for separate structural components, thereby managing thermal energy without increasing system mass.
3Temperature
If heat pipes are used to communicate thermal energy and hinge panels, then thermal energy management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges thermal conduction and mechanical hinging functions into a single integrated component. The heat pipes are configured to physically connect and hinge reflective panels to the panel assembly structure, while simultaneously conducting thermal energy away from concentrated photovoltaic cells. This dual-function design eliminates the need for separate hinging mechanisms and thermal management components, thereby improving thermal energy management without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 enables effective thermal energy management, reducing system mass and complexity while maintaining high power generation efficiency, achieving 130 W/kg of power and increased tolerance for pointing and tracking errors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat pipe configured to communicate thermal energy to the first reflective panel and the second reflective panel
Data Source
AI summary
An example space-based power generation panel arrangement includes a first reflective panel and at least one heat pipe configured to communicate thermal energy to the first reflective panel and a second reflective panel. The heat pipe is configured to hinge the first reflective panel to the second reflective panel.