COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THERMAL AND HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCES OF SERIES AND PARALLEL SPACE RADIATORS

Abstract

Fluid-pumped radiators are widely used to dissipate thermal load from orbiting space capsules to maintain the desired temperature range. Fluid circulated through the heat generating systems are pumped through the space radiator, which in turn dissipates energy to deep space. Based on the flow path, radiators are classified into series and parallel radiator configurations. As part of realizing radiators for future space missions, experimental studies are carried out in a thermovac chamber to assess the thermal and hydraulic performances of space radiators and compare them for different configurations and working fluids. The paper details the experimental schematics for the different studies, the results of the experiments, and their validation. Series radiator configuration is found to have better thermal performance but lower hydraulic performance compared to parallel radiator configuration. Working fluids with higher specific heat are found to give better thermal performance. A configuration that gives optimum performance in terms of thermal performance and pumping power is evolved based on the studies.