Abstract
This paper describes a new passive thermal control device - a Reversible Thermal Panel (RTP), which changes its function reversibly from a radiator to solar absorber by deploying/stowing the radiator/absorber reversible fin. Parametric studies were conducted and the RTP configuration which satisfies the thermal requirements was determined. The RTP engineering model was fabricated using highly oriented graphite sheets, honeycomb base plate, and shape memory alloy. The heat rejection performances and autonomous thermal controllability were evaluated by thermal vacuum tests. The test results show the excellent performances of heat rejection, absorption, and autonomous thermal control for the RTP.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 464-481 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Heat Transfer - Asian Research |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2006 Nov 1 |
Keywords
- Deployable radiator
- Graphite sheet
- Light weight
- Reversible thermal panel
- Rotary actuator
- Shape memory alloy
- Solar absorber
- Spacecraft thermal control
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes