Ground Test and on-Orbit Verification of a Mechanically Pumped Two-Phase Loop Using for Thermal Control of Spacecraft

Abstract

Mechanically pumped two-phase loop (MPTL) is an advanced two-phase heat transfer device through the release of latent heat of phase change during flow boiling process. In order to investigate the performance of MPTL system under different gravity conditions, one MPTL setup using a novel two-phase thermal-controlled accumulator coupled with self-cooling function was designed and constructed. Its characteristics of startup, phase change, and temperature control were tested on the ground and on orbit. Test results showed that MPTL system had good working performance and stable working characteristics both on the ground and on a satellite. The functions of fluid management, temperature control and self-cooling for accumulator were verified under different gravity conditions. It was found that the superheat time and superheat temperature for on-orbit results were longer and higher than the ground’s results respectively. The heat transfer efficient of two-phase flow of MPTL system could reach 12,000 − 60,000 W/(m²·K). Affected by the buoyancy, the heat transfer coefficient on-orbit was 10%−29% lower than the ground result. The research would contribute to the theoretical basis of two-phase flow and heat transfer and promote the development of active two-phase thermal control technology for space.

Conflict of Interest Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51806010).

Notes on contributors

Qingliang Meng

Qingliang Meng is a senior engineer at Beijing Institute of Space Mechanics & Electricity. He is mainly engaged in two-phase heat transfer technologies for spacecraft thermal control. He received the bachelor’s degree in 2008 and the Ph.D. degree in 2014 from University of Science and Technology of China.

Zhenming Zhao

Zhenming Zhao is a professor at Beijing Institute of Space Mechanics & Electricity. His research focuses on two-phase heat transfer technologies for spacecraft thermal control. He received the bachelor’s degree in 2003 and Ph.D. degree in 2009 from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Xianggui Chen

Xianggui Chen is a master student at Beijing Institute of Space Mechanics & Electricity. He received the bachelor’s degree from China University of Petroleum. He is currently working on two-phase heat transfer technologies for spacecraft thermal control.