NOVEL LOOP HEAT PIPES DEVELOPMENT FOR GROUND AND SPACE APPLICATIONS

Abstract. Current efforts have focused the development of loop heat pipes (LHPs) for space applications with possibility of using them in several ground applications, such as water heating systems, etc. However, some issues related to the use of LHPs rely on their design and development depending on the required use. Thus, a novel LHP technology has been developed for future space applications and new configurations have been designed and tested focusing on ground applications as well. This paper presents the results of what has been developed regarding the novel LHP technology, which includes devices for electronics cooling operating in its classical design (one evaporator and one condenser), reversible and ramified (multiple evaporators and condensers) LHPs. The experimental results obtained have shown the great potential in using LHPs as passive thermal control devices as they present reliable operation and continuous heat transport from the heat source to the sink using an alternative working fluid. Continuous tests have shown that the novel LHPs can control the heat source temperature within the required limits without failure of the systems tested. The proper development of this technology can be used for space applications (satellites), avionics thermal control, turbines and wings anti-icing systems, water heating systems, etc