Passive Thermal System Comprising Combined Heat Pipe and Phase Change Material and Satellites Incorporating Same

摘要

A passive thermal system for use in a satellite and other aerospace applications includes a container having a heat-pipe working fluid disposed in a first chamber and a Phase Change Material (PCM) disposed in a second chamber that substantially surrounds the first chamber. The first chamber contains a wick for transporting the heat-pipe working fluid. The exterior of the first chamber has fins, etc., that extend into the PCM for heat spreading and increased interface area.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising a passive thermal system, the passive thermal system comprising:
a housing, wherein the housing has an inner chamber and an outer chamber, wherein the outer chamber substantially surrounds the inner chamber; heat pipe working fluid, wherein the heat pipe working fluid is contained in the inner chamber; and phase change material (PCM), wherein the PCM is contained in the outer chamber.