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The knowledge bank of ESA’s R&D programmes

Enhancement of Loop Heat Pipe (LHP) Modelling Tool

Programme
GSTP
Programme Reference
G617-111MT
Prime Contractor
AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE SAS
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
France
Enhancement of Loop Heat Pipe (LHP) Modelling Tool
Objectives
To develop further the LHP module in terms of performance, accuracy and flexibility.
 
To create a database of tuned LHP module plugins representing existingcommercial LHPs.
 
 
Description
The current Loop Heat Pipe (LHP) module is increasingly needed to support thermal control design and modelling activities for various missions such as Aeolus, MTG and ExoMars. It is fully operational but only for a limited number of LHP architectures and analytical scenarios and they do not cover current needs. The proposed activity aims to further develop and extend this module the following ways:
  • Tuning of the module to improve performance and steady state convergence.
 
  • Generalisation of the supported LHP architectures to support, for example, bypass configurations (heat switches).
 
  • Characterisation of existing LHP designs so that manufactures can providepre-validated models of the H/W for integration at system level.
 
 
 
Application Domain
Generic Technologies
Technology Domain
21 - Thermal
Competence Domain
2-Structures, Mechanisms, Materials, Thermal
Initial TRL
TRL 5
Target TRL
TRL 6
Public Document
Executive Summary