Effects of External Heat Flux during Orbital Period of Spacecraft on Operating Characteristics of Loop Heat Pipe

Abstract

Abstract Effects of external heat flux during orbital period on operating characteristics of loop heat pipe were discussed through a thermal vacuum experimental study based on the orbit of remote sensing satellite. Results demonstrate that changes external heat flux of orbit causes periodic fluctuation of temperature on the heat delivery surface of loop heat pipe (LHP), thus causing period changes of state of working media in the LHP. Changes of state of working media further lead to “backflow” of working media, thus causing adverse impacts on stable operation of LHP. The adverse effects of backflow on operation of LHP were verified through a thermal vacuum experiment. Research conclusions have high guidance to the in-orbit application of LHP.