Spacecraft Heat Pipe Network Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pipe configurations for spacecraft thermal systems are complex, labor-intensive to assemble, and relatively inefficient, which limits their thermal capacity and increases mass, volume, and cost.
Innovation Solution
The proposed thermal system incorporates a heat pipe network with a heat pipe matrix that includes lateral and spreader heat pipes, allowing for efficient heat transfer across radiator elements. This network can be thermally coupled by jumper heat pipes to connect multiple heat pipe matrices, enhancing thermal capacity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heat pipe configurations are used, then thermal capacity is achieved, but assembly complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe system is divided into modular heat pipe assemblies, each containing a predetermined number of heat pipes (e.g., 3-10 pipes per assembly). These assemblies can be independently manufactured, tested, and then easily integrated into the radiator panel, significantly reducing assembly complexity while maintaining thermal capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heat pipes are bundled together into single heat pipe assemblies with common mounting structures and thermal interface components. This merging approach allows the entire assembly to be installed as one unit rather than individually mounting each heat pipe, reducing labor intensity and assembly time.
2Reliability
If conventional heat pipe configurations are used, then thermal capacity is achieved, but mass and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple heat pipes into integrated assemblies with shared structural components and thermal interfaces, the overall mass of the heat pipe system is reduced compared to individually mounted heat pipes. The common mounting structures eliminate redundant hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe assemblies are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow them to be used in various radiator panel configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for custom-designed components, thereby reducing total mass.
3Reliability
If conventional heat pipe configurations are used, then thermal capacity is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the heat pipe system into modular assemblies enables standardized manufacturing processes for each assembly type. This standardization reduces tooling costs, facilitates batch production, and simplifies quality control, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining thermal capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe assemblies are designed with standardized parameters (dimensions, number of pipes per assembly, mounting hole patterns) that optimize manufacturing efficiency. These parameter standardizations enable economies of scale and reduce per-unit manufacturing cost.
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
The thermal system achieves improved thermal efficiency, reduced mass, and simplified assembly, enabling more effective heat management in spacecraft while minimizing resource utilization.
Implementation Method 1
Heat pipes, having a higher thermal conductivity, are more efficient than using conductive material at transporting heat
Implementation Method 2
This radiator is typically composed of a thermally conductive material to help spread the heat across the radiator surface
Implementation Method 3
a fundamental method of removing heat from dissipating units is through radiation using a thermal radiator
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing thermal systems having one or more radiators that each incorporate one or more heat pipe matrices are provided. Each heat pipe matrix includes at least one spreader heat pipe element and a plurality of lateral heat pipe elements. The lateral heat pipe elements can extend in a direction that is generally transverse to a direction in which the spreader heat pipe element extends. Each lateral heat pipe element includes a portion that is thermally coupled and parallel to a portion of at least one spreader heat pipe element. Multiple heat pipe matrices can be thermally coupled to one another by jumper heat pipes to form heat pipe networks.