Parametric Control of a Two-Phase Thermal Management System for Space Applications

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Brooks ◽  
L. C. Nortje ◽  
W. E. Lear ◽  
S. A. Sherif
Keyword(s):  
Time Pressure ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Thermal Control ◽  
Pulse Frequency ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Absolute Pressure ◽  
Stable Operation ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
R 134A

As spacecraft increase in complexity, greater power is required to drive their onboard systems. The resulting generation of waste heat demands efficient thermal control, especially for electrical components emitting heat at high flux densities. Weislogel proposed a passive two-phase heat transport system for space application, driven by constant volume boilers, called the pulse thermal loop (PTL). This paper describes four methods of operating a PTL using real-time pressure data as the control parameter. Preliminary results are presented from an experimental loop using R-134a as the working fluid. Control is exercised through algorithm-based schemes implemented in LabVIEW. Results suggest that stable operation of the loop is best achieved by actuating flow control valves in response to a preset pressure difference between the boilers. Control schemes based on absolute pressure, set pulse frequency, and a combination of absolute and differential pressures are also described. Performance data are presented, and some of the challenges faced during PTL operation are discussed, including start-up and asymmetrical pressurization of the boilers.

Development and Experimental Demonstration of a Shape Memory Alloy-Based Adaptive Two-Phase Radiator for Space Applications

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared Lilly ◽  
Bethany Hansen ◽  
Ryan Lotz ◽  
Darren Hartl ◽  
Thomas Cognata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory Alloy ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Single Phase ◽  
Thermal Control ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Regenerative Heat ◽  
Heat Rejection ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Future space exploration, such as the Artemis program, journeys to Mars, and future lander missions will require thermal control systems (TCSs) with the ability to adapt to a wide range of thermal loads due to vastly fluctuating external temperatures. Current TCSs employ radiators that can achieve a turndown ratio (defined as the ratio of the maximum to minimum heat rejection rates) of 12:1 by utilizing regenerative heat exchangers and a two-fluid-loop system, both of which are heavy and complex. However, future missions will demand radiators that can provide turndown ratios of 12:1 while remaining light, functionally passive, and simply designed. Previous work has investigated using shape memory alloy (SMA) components in single phase radiator prototypes to achieve efficient heat rejection. Preliminary analysis shows that SMA-based radiators can enable turndown ratios as high as 37:1. In this paper, the design, fabrication, and testing of an SMA torque tube driven radiator prototype is discussed. The SMA torque tube is attached to a heat rejecting panel that resembles flat radiator panels currently installed on the International Space Station. As the temperature of the working fluid in the TCS increases, the SMA torque tube actuates and rotates the panel, allowing for more radiative heat rejection to occur. This new design matures the concept past a previous prototype that merely demonstrated actuation under single-phase (e.g., liquid water) flow. The current radiator prototype has been designed to function not only with closed-loop, single-phase fluid flow, but also in conjunction with a two-phase TCS and even as a heat pipe. Both approaches take advantage of phase transformation of the working fluid to improve overall TCS efficiency and decrease complexity. During testing, a heated two-phase working fluid was circulated through the system, resulting in a maximum angular actuation of 67 degrees, thus demonstrating two-phase operation for the first time. These results give confidence that an SMA torque tube-driven radiator can outperform current radiators as development continues.

scholarly journals ADVANCED TWO-PHASE PASSIVE THERMAL CONTROL DEVICES: LOOP HEAT PIPES AND PULSATING HEAT PIPES

2006 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Roger R. Riehl
Keyword(s):  
Heat Pipes ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Thermal Control ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Pulsating Heat Pipe ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Source Temperature ◽  
Loop Heat Pipes ◽  
Control Devices

This paper presents the development of two-phase passive thermal control devices that can be used at both ground and space applications. These devices operate by acquiring heat through their evaporation section and rejecting through their condensation section, keeping a tight control on the heat source temperature without the presence of moving parts. Recent researches with loop heat pipes (LHPs) have showed the great capability of such a device in managing high levels of heat while keeping the source temperature within certain levels. For this case, experimental tests of a LHP are presented, where the behavior related to its operation with power cycles can be evaluated and its performance can be verified. This paper also presents an investigation of a two-phase thermal control device called pulsating heat pipe (PHP) configured as an open loop. Experimental tests with different working fluids are presented, which shows the great capability of the PHP in operating at both horizontal and vertical orientations and promoting the thermal control, which is highly affected by the working fluid and geometric parameters. The experimental results presented for both devices are intended to contribute for the continuous development of these two passive thermal control devices.

Experimental Study of Flexible Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pumping for Electronics Cooling

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Vayas Tobar ◽  
Pavolas N. Christidis ◽  
Nathaniel J. O'Connor ◽  
Michal Talmor ◽  
Jamal Seyed-Yagoobi
Keyword(s):  
Flexible Electronics ◽  
Electronics Cooling ◽  
Thermal Control ◽  
Stable Operation ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Manufacturing Method ◽  
Micro Scale ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
And Performance ◽  
And Control

As modern day electronics develop, electronic devices become smaller, more powerful, and are expected to operate in more diverse configurations. However, the thermal control systems that help these devices maintain stable operation must advance as well to meet the demands. One such demand is the advent of flexible electronics for wearable technology, medical applications, and biology-inspired mechanisms. This paper presents the design and performance characteristics of a proof of concept for a flexible Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pump, based on EHD conduction pumping technology in macro- and meso-scales. Unlike mechanical pumps, EHD conduction pumps have no moving parts, can be easily adjusted to the micro-scale, and have been shown to generate and control the flow of refrigerants for electronics cooling applications. However, these pumping devices have only been previously tested in rigid configurations unsuitable for use with flexible electronics. In this work, for the first time, the net flow generated by flexible EHD conduction pumps is measured on a flat-plane and in various bending configurations. In this behavioral characteristics study, the results show that the flexible EHD conduction pumps are capable of generating significant flow velocities in all size scales considered in this study, with and without bending. This study also proves the viability of screen printing as a manufacturing method for these pumps. EHD conduction pumping technology shows potential for use in a wide range of terrestrial and space applications, including thermal control of rigid as well as flexible electronics, flow generation and control in micro-scale heat exchangers and other thermal devices, as well as cooling of high power electrical systems, soft robotic actuators, and medical devices.

Analysis of two-phase ejectors with Fabri choking

2002 ◽  
Vol 216 (5) ◽  
pp. 607-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
W E Lear ◽  
G M Parker ◽  
S A Sherif
Keyword(s):  
Single Phase ◽  
Phase Region ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Flow Phenomena ◽  
Mass Flowrate ◽  
Inlet Conditions ◽  
R 134A ◽  
Phase Fluid

A one-dimensional mathematical model was developed using the equations governing the flow and thermodynamics within a jet pump with a mixing region of constant cross-sectional area. The analysis is capable of handling two-phase flows and the resulting flow phenomena such as condensation shocks and the Fabri limit on the secondary mass flowrate. This work presents a technique for quickly achieving first-approximation solutions for two-phase ejectors. The thermodynamic state of the working fluid, R-134a for this analysis, is determined at key locations within the ejector. From these results, performance parameters are calculated and presented for varying inlet conditions. The Fabri limit was found to limit the operational regime of the two-phase ejector because, in the two-phase region, the speed of sound may be orders of magnitude smaller than in a single-phase fluid.

A Study on the Combined Driven Refrigeration Cycle Using Ejector

2021 ◽  
pp. 2150004
Author(s):  
Waseem Raza ◽  
Gwang Soo Ko ◽  
Youn Cheol Park
Keyword(s):  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Coefficient Of Performance ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Refrigeration Cycle ◽  
R 134A

The rising need for thermal comfort has resulted in a rapid increase in refrigeration systems’ usage and, subsequently, the need for electricity for air-conditioning systems. The ejector system can be driven by a free or affordable low-temperature heat source such as waste heat as the primary source of energy instead of electricity. Heat-driven ejector refrigeration systems become a promising solution for reducing energy consumption to conventional compressor-based refrigeration technologies. An air-conditioning system that uses the ejector achieves better performance in terms of energy-saving. This paper presents a study on the combined driven refrigeration cycle based on ejectors to maximize cycle performance. The experimental setup is designed to determine the coefficient of performance (COP) with ejector nozzle sizes 1.8, 3.6, and 5.4[Formula: see text]mm, respectively. In this system, the R-134a refrigerant is considered as a working fluid. The results depict that the efficiency is higher than that of the conventional refrigeration method due to comparing the performance of the conventional refrigeration cycle and the combined driven refrigeration cycle. The modified cycle efficiency is better than the vapor compression cycle below 0∘C, which implies sustainability at low temperatures by using low-grade thermal energy. For the improvement of mechanical efficiency, proposed cycle can be easily used.

Design and Analysis of Ejector Powerplant System

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Menandro S. Berana ◽  
Edward T. Bermido
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Temperature Drop ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Heat Sources ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Evaporator Temperature ◽  
Working Fluids

An ejector is a device with no moving components and is made up of four main parts: converging-diverging nozzle, suction chamber, mixing section and diffuser. It has become popular in refrigeration system as it gives the advantage of recovering expansion energy from high pressure difference into compression energy. In this study, the potential use of ejector in powerplants that use low-grade or low temperature heat sources was conceptualized and analytically investigated. A novel combination of the ejector and the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) was proposed. The driving fluid in the ejector of the proposed powerplant cycle is the high-pressure liquid in the separator that is just circulated back to the evaporator in the ORC. Further increase in turbine temperature drop (TTD), which can increase the power output and efficiency of the plant, can be achieved through expansion, mixing and recompression processes in the ejector. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), solar-boosted OTEC (SOTEC), solar-thermal, waste-heat driven, biomass and geothermal powerplants were considered in the analysis. Mathematical models in our previous studies were developed and used to calculate for nozzle and ejector parameters. The geometric profile of the ejector for optimization with categorized heat sources was determined. Isentropic, internally reversible, and irreversible two-phase nozzle expansions were analyzed. Two-phase flow calculations were continued in the mixing section. It was assumed that the constant-pressure mixing of the primary and secondary fluids occur at the hypothetical throat inside the constant-area section. Calculation for shock wave in the mixing section was also done. The diffuser was analyzed in a similar manner with the nozzle. Calculation for other components and plant efficiencies was finally conducted. Ammonia and propane which are both natural working fluids were used in the analysis. Evaporator temperature range from 293.15 K to 393.15 K and condenser and ambient temperatures range from 283.15 K to 308.15 K were used in the analysis. The lowest ambient temperature of 283.15 K was used for the OTEC and SOTEC powerplants. It was shown that ammonia and propane can operate up to 11 K and 12 K below the ambient temperature, respectively. Ejector efficiency ranged from 90 to 95% for both working fluids. The maximum efficiencies of the ejector powerplant were 19.2% for ammonia and 14.9% for propane, compared to 11.7% and 9.8% of the conventional ORC. It was analytically determined that the efficiency of the ejector powerplant is higher than that of the ORC powerplant for the same working fluid and conditions of the evaporator, condenser and the ambient.

Experimental Study of Flexible Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pumping for Electronics Cooling

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel J. O'Connor ◽  
Alexander J. Castaneda ◽  
Pavolas N. Christidis ◽  
Nicolas Vayas Tobar ◽  
Michal Talmor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flexible Electronics ◽  
Electronics Cooling ◽  
Thermal Control ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Stable Operation ◽  
Manufacturing Method ◽  
And Performance ◽  
And Control ◽  
First Time

Abstract As modern-day electronics develop, electronic devices become smaller, more powerful, and are expected to operate in more diverse configurations. However, the thermal control systems that help these devices maintain stable operation must advance as well to meet the demands. One such demand is the advent of flexible electronics for wearable technology, medical applications, and biology-inspired mechanisms. This paper presents the design and performance characteristics of flexible electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumps, based on EHD conduction pumping technology in macro- and mesoscales. Unlike mechanical pumps, EHD conduction pumps have no moving parts, can be easily adjusted to the microscale, and have been shown to generate and control the flow of refrigerants for electronics cooling applications. However, these pumping devices have only been previously tested in rigid configurations unsuitable for use with flexible electronics. In this work, for the first time, the net flow generated by flexible EHD conduction pumps is measured on a flat plane in various configurations. In this study, the results show that the flexible EHD conduction pumps are capable of generating significant flow velocities in all size scales considered in this study, with and without bending. This study also proves the viability of screen printing as a manufacturing method for these pumps. The selection of working fluid for EHD conduction pumping is also a topic of discussion. Novec Engineered Fluids have been a popular choice for EHD pumping; however, long-term testing has shown that some Novec fluids degrade over time.

Investigation of Carbon Dioxide Explosive Boiling in Single Evaporator of a Two-Phase Mechanically-Pumped Thermal Control Loop

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi-Hui Sun ◽  
Zhen-Cheng Huang ◽  
Wen-Jia Xiao ◽  
Yue Chen ◽  
Zhen-Hui He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Flow ◽  
Thermal Control ◽  
Outer Ring ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Explosive Boiling ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Pressure Spike ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Set Up

We investigated experimentally the start-up characteristics of a mechanically pumped two-phase loop (MPTCL), with CO2 as working fluid, and a single evaporator that consists of a bent inner ring and an outer ring constructed by stainless tubes with hydraulic diameter of 2.6 mm and length of 9 m, along which totally 54 pieces of heating element are distributed. Experiments were performed in the following conditions: mass flow rates of 1.1, 2.1, and 3.3g/s; heat loads ranged from 50 to 300W, with the heat-load ratios of the inner ring to the outer ring 2.2:1, 1:1, and 1:2.2 at the operational temperature of −15°C, respectively. During the start-up cases, we detected a reverse flow accompanying with pressure spike, which can be understood as explosive boiling, and a subsequent temporal dry-out phenomenon at the outlet of the evaporator, as a result of explosive boiling. The back flow together with the pressure spike is helpful to set up a two-phase flow all along the evaporator, though it may have negative effect on the loop, especially, when coincident explosive boiling happens. However, such a pressure spike that depends on initial superheating should be controlled to avoid possible harm to the loop.

scholarly journals Heat Exchanger Sizing for Organic Rankine Cycle

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 3615 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Bull ◽  
James M. Buick ◽  
Jovana Radulovic
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchanger ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Organic Rankine Cycle ◽  
Rankine Cycle ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Shell And Tube

Approximately 45% of power generated by conventional power systems is wasted due to power conversion process limitations. Waste heat recovery can be achieved in an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) by converting low temperature waste heat into useful energy, at relatively low-pressure operating conditions. The ORC system considered in this study utilises R-1234yf as the working fluid; the work output and thermal efficiency were evaluated for several operational pressures. Plate and shell and tube heat exchangers were analysed for the three sections: preheater, evaporator and superheater for the hot side; and precooler and condenser for the cold side. Each heat exchanger section was sized using the appropriate correlation equations for single-phase and two-phase fluid models. The overall heat exchanger size was evaluated for optimal operational conditions. It was found that the plate heat exchanger out-performed the shell and tube in regard to the overall heat transfer coefficient and area.

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