Erno Raumfahrttechnik Gmbh

Alois Koeppl

Robert Mueller

A heat pipe has at least one liquid flow channel and one vapor flow channel for the movement of the heat carrier fluid from the evaporator end to the condenser end and vice versa. The liquid flow channel is so constructed that the capillary radius of its cross-sectional area increases from the evaporator end to the condenser end of the heat pipe, preferably in a continuous manner. Further, the evaporator end of the pipe is provided with a closure member for communicating the liquid flow channel with the vapor flow channel for replenishing the liquid in the evaporating end if necessary. Opening of the closure member also permits gas and/or vapor bubbles that have been collected in the liquid flow channel to pass into the vapor channel. The closure member may be operated by an electromagnetic valve.

Heat pipe for transferring heat

A heat exchanger for a spacecraft utilizes a droplet radiator, whereby the droplet collector has the shape of a rotation symmetrical ring body that is rotatable about a central rotational axis. Preferably, the rotation symmetric ring body has the shape of a wheel, whereby the droplet generator is arranged near the rotational axis of symmetry and the collector forms a wheel rim. The return flow of the coolant takes place either through the spokes of the wheel which connect the droplet collector wheel rim to the hub or through a separate suction conduit. A secondary coolant flow circuit may be integrated into the droplet collector.

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Moordeich, Germany

Alois Koeppl