Abstract
Abstract
Liquid sheet radiators offer a promising technological solution to the problem of disposing of large heat fluxes in space. The present paper describes the fluid-dynamic and thermal characteristics of a liquid sheet radiator (LSR) and presents a design method aimed at establishing the optimal design parameters of the radiator system from the point of view of reducing the mass, radiating surfaces and electrical energy required to circulate the refrigeration fluid. The algorithm is used to analyse various LSR designs combined with a power conversion unit for the production of electricity in given working conditions in space. When compared with the performance of a liquid droplet radiator (LDR), the results reveal the differences in design and functioning of the two systems, as well as the effect of variations in the thermal load on the performance of the LSR. Finally, the possible developments of this type of radiator and the most promising solutions in terms of performance and efficient coupling with the energy conversion system are discussed.
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