Advanced Two-Phase Heat Exchangers Design Tools

The use of two-phase thermal systems on spacecraft has been greatly hampered by the inability to predict with sufficient confidence their performance at various gravity levels (Earth, Mars, and lunar gravity and low-g). The performance prediction of two-phase systems under these conditions requires a sufficient heat transfer database and reliable models, both of which are not currently available. Although some research in low-gravity adiabatic flows has been performed, very little heat transfer data relevant to advanced space heat exchangers is available and the mechanisms by which heat is removed from the surfaces under varying gravity environments are still unclear. A better understanding of flow boiling and critical heat flux (CHF) in these environments is highly desired for the design of future heat removal equipment in extraterrestrial applications.

Single phase heat exchangers are currently used for cooling on ISS and other space platforms, but questions regarding the effect of gravity on two-phase heat exchanger performance prevent their use. NASA, DOD, other private space contractors.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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