The present invention generally relates to heat rejection systems, and more particularly relates to a foam bumper and radiator configuration for a lightweight heat rejection system.
A heat rejection system is typically used to remove excess heat from a power generating system. One type of heat rejection system, generally known as a pumped loop system, involves the use of a coolant medium circulated through a heat transfer duct in order to transfer heat from a power generating source to heat dissipating radiators. Another type of heat rejection system uses heat pipes rather than heat transfer ducts to transfer heat from a coolant medium to heat dissipating radiators.
In certain types of high performance heat dissipation applications, such as spacecraft cooling for example, the weight of a heat rejection system can become a limiting factor in the overall performance capabilities of the spacecraft. Moreover, the heat transfer ducts or heat pipes in a spacecraft heat rejection system can be damaged by contact with MicroMeteoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD), and are therefore typically protected by the inclusion of some type of shielding. Conventional types of protective shields generally complicate the fabrication process of the heat dissipating components while adding undesired weight to the system. In addition, conventional protective shields tend to reduce the thermal radiation efficiency of the heat dissipating components.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a heat rejection system with MMOD protection that is both lightweight and thermally efficient. In addition, it is desirable to provide a fabrication process for the exemplary heat rejection system that is relatively straightforward and economical. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.
According to various exemplary embodiments, devices and methods are provided for reducing the weight and improving the thermal conductivity of a shielded heat rejection system. One exemplary device comprises a manifold configured with a heat transfer passageway for carrying a coolant medium. One or more heat pipes are each configured with a heat input portion that is in thermal contact with the coolant medium within the manifold. The one or more heat pipes are each further configured with a heat output portion that is in thermal contact with an associated heat radiator. The heat radiator is configured in part as a protective bumper enclosing an exposed outer surface of the associated heat pipe, and the heat radiator is further configured with at least one heat-dissipating fin. The heat radiator protective bumper and the heat-dissipating fin(s) are fabricated from a foam material to provide thermal conductivity away from the heat pipe.
One exemplary method of fabricating the heat radiator foam bumper and fin(s) comprises the steps of casting a foam material around the outer surface of the associated heat pipe, shaping the foam material to form a bumper around the outer surface of the heat pipe, and shaping the foam material to form at least one fin integrated into the outer surface of the foam bumper. The foam bumper is configured to provide a protective shield around the heat pipe, and the foam bumper and fin(s) are further configured to provide thermal radiation away from the heat pipe.
The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.
Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to the area of heat rejection systems in applications such as spacecraft cooling, where it is generally desirable to minimize system weight and to maximize the thermal conductivity of the cooling apparatus. Moreover, in space applications, it is also desirable to protect the cooling apparatus from damage by MicroMeteoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD). A foam bumper and radiator fin configuration is proposed that is generally lighter in weight than conventional bumper and radiator assemblies, and that also provides protection from MMOD. In addition, the proposed foam configuration can improve the thermal conductivity of the cooling apparatus.
A simplified illustration of one type of space vehicle 100 is shown in
The operation of a typical heat pipe 300 is illustrated in
Heat pipes can be designed as highly efficient heat transfer devices since the vapor pressure drop between the evaporation zone and condensation zone is typically very small. As such, the temperature losses between a heat source and the vapor, and between the vapor and a heat sink can be very small. Moreover, heat pipes can be used to transfer relatively large amounts of heat within relatively small, lightweight structures. Therefore, the combined features of efficient heat transfer and lightweight structure make heat pipes generally advantageous for use in heat rejection systems for spacecraft types of applications. It will be appreciated that an alternate heat transfer configuration can incorporate heat transfer ducts (pumped loop) rather than heat pipes in a heat rejection system. As such, the following discussion can pertain to a heat pipe or a heat transfer duct configuration, but will generally be referenced to heat pipes for clarity.
One potential disadvantage of a typical lightweight heat pipe structure is that it is relatively vulnerable to physical damage. In a spacecraft application, for example, there is the possibility of a collision between the heat pipes built into radiator panels and the previously mentioned MMOD. To protect a lightweight heat pipe from MMOD damage, a standoff bumper type of shielding has typically been mounted around the exposed portion of the heat pipe. One example of a typical standoff bumper configuration 400 is illustrated in the simplified diagram of
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of an improved heat pipe/radiator configuration 500 as illustrated in
Various types of foam material may be used for bumper/radiator 504, 506, such as metal, carbon-carbon, ceramic, graphite, etc., and/or a combination of these materials. Foam materials such as these are generally available from commercial sources in a wide range of shapes and porosities. One commercial source is ERG Materials and Aerospace Corporation in Oakland, Calif. A distinguishing feature of foam material is the porosity of its open-celled structure, as in a honeycomb pattern, for example. The cavity-like pores of the foam surface typically increase the effective thermal emissivity of the foam material for a more efficient thermal radiation surface. As such, a low-density foam material can improve the thermal conductivity of bumper/radiator 504, 506 over that of a conventional material (e.g., aluminum) standoff bumper 404 in
Another advantageous feature of foam material is its lighter weight in comparison to conventional materials. As such, a foam bumper/radiator configuration (504, 506 in
In addition to providing improved thermal conductivity and lighter weight, a foam material bumper/radiator can be simpler and more economical to manufacture than a conventional material standoff bumper/radiator. For a conventional material such as a carbon-carbon weave, for example, a relatively complex manufacturing process is typically employed to create the bumper, radiator fins and heat pipe sleeve assembly. In contrast, an integrated foam bumper/radiator can be produced in a more straightforward manner by casting the foam over the heat pipe sleeve and then shaping the bumper and radiator fins to a desired geometry.
Accordingly, the shortcomings of the prior art have been overcome by providing improved bumper and radiator embodiments for heat pipes or heat transfer ducts in a heat rejection system. The improved bumper and radiator embodiments are typically fabricated in an integrated configuration from a porous foam material that can be cast directly over a heat pipe or heat transfer duct. The resulting foam material bumper and radiator generally provide better thermal conductivity than a conventional material bumper and radiator assembly, and also generally provide a significant reduction in weight. A further benefit of the foam configuration is the relative ease of manufacture in comparison to conventional material assemblies.
While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20060021738 A1 | Feb 2006 | US |