High efficiency heat exchanger

Abstract

A high efficiency deployable heat radiator system for radiating heat generated at a source of heat aboard an orbiting spacecraft or like vehicle is described which comprises a first subsystem for circulating liquid heat exchange medium into heat exchange relationship with the heat source and for conducting vaporous medium generated at the heat source to a manifold; one or more interconnected movable radiator panels each including a pair of spaced wall members defining heat radiating surfaces; a plurality of heat pipes each having an elongated condenser end disposed between wall members of the radiator panels and in heat exchange relationship with the heat radiating surfaces; a manifold for conducting vaporous medium from the source into heat exchange contact with the evaporator ends of the heat pipes; an interface structure interconnecting the evaporator end of each heat pipe with the manifold and including a tubular member enclosing each evaporator end for conducting vaporous heat exchange medium into contact with the evaporator end and conducting condensed heat exchange medium back toward the source of heat; and wherein each heat pipe includes a flexible portion between the interface structure and the first panel and between panels so that the panels may be selectively moved between folded and deployed positions. The evaporator ends of the heat pipes and the inner surface of the tubular members of the interface structure are preferably grooved to promote heat exchange at the evaporator ends of the heat pipes.