Project Title:

Binary Mixtures for Spacecraft Heat Transport

09.06-3200
Binary Mixtures for Spacecraft Heat Transport
Foster-Miller Inc.
350 Second Avenue
Waltham
MA
02254
Glen I.
Deming
(617-890-3200)
MSFC

Abstract:

The concept addressed in this project is a novel heat transport loop for heat rejection
from space vehicles for thermal management. Waste heat rejection techniques currently
being considered use a single-phase, liquid-water loop for removing heat generated
inside the space vehicle. The internal loop interfaces with an external, single-phase,
liquid heat transport loop which carries the waste heat to body mounted radiators
for rejection to space. The proposed concept is to replace the external single-phase
liquid working fluid with a nonazeotropic, binary mixture utilizing a two-phase pump.
Advantages gained through the use of a two-phase, binary mixture working fluid are:
a non-isothermal phase change, high heat transfer coefficients, high heat of vaporization,
low fluid flow rates, and temperature and capacity control via composition shifting.
These properties lead to potential reductions in both pumping power consumption and
system weight.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The potential improvements in cycle efficiency,
capacity, and capacity modulation in heat pumps and refrigerators could increase
market size. Several systems have been commercially marketed with limited success.