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Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
The integral planar variable conductance heat pipe (VCHP) technology represents a novel, low-TRL heat rejection technology which should operate efficiently and reliably across a wide range of thermal environments. The concept consists of a planar heat pipe whose condenser acquires the excess thermal energy from the thermal control system (TCS) and rejects it at its condenser whose outer surface acts as a radiating surface. The VCHP is made from thermally conductive polymers and the working fluid is methanol. It has a non-condensable gas (air) so as to vary the active radiator surface depending on the heat load.
The integral planar variable conductance heat pipe (VCHP) technology represents a novel, low-TRL heat rejection technology which should operate efficiently and reliably across a wide range of thermal environments.
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