Development and on-orbit operation of loop heat pipes on chinese circumlunar return and reentry spacecraft

作者：Zhang Hongxing^*; Mi Min; Miao Jianyin; Wang Lu; Chen Yang; Ding Ting; Ning Xianwen; Huo Yuhua

来源：Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, 2017, 31(6): 2597-2605.

DOI：10.1007/s12206-017-0501-x

• Chinese circumlunar return and reentry spacecraft
• Loop heat pipe
• On-orbit operation
• Thermal switch

This paper describes the development and result of ground experiment and analyzes the on-orbit operation of Loop heat pipes (LHP) for the Chinese circumlunar return and reentry spacecraft. A novel LHP was developed to satisfy the thermal control requirements of Inertial measurement units (IMU). The LHP consisted of an integrated evaporator subassembly, a cambered condenser, and an electric explosion valve. Ground experiments were conducted to investigate the startup characteristics, and heat transfer and heat insulation performance of the LHPs. During a flight mission, the LHPs work as a thermal switch and perform both heat transfer and insulation functions. Before returning to the earth's atmosphere, the valves of the reentry capsule are opened to discharge working fluid and prevent heat transfer from the capsule wall to the devices. In the flight mission, the LHPs performed all the required functions, and the IMU temperatures were maintained within an allowable range.

• 出版日期2017-6
• 单位中国空间技术研究院