Radiator systems

摘要

A system of spacecraft radiators comprising pre-formed thermal-transfer modules joined together by at least one solid-state welding process. Critical failure points are eliminated by forming the thermal-transfer modules as a single unitary piece, preferably by an extrusion process. The thermal-transfer modules allow the formation of larger radiator assemblies, which may comprise a wide range of sizes and physical geometries.

主权项

1. A radiator system comprising:
a) a thermal-transfer module structured and arranged to assist thermal transfer between a heat-transfer fluid and a surrounding environment; b) wherein said thermal-transfer module comprises
i) a thermal-interaction facesheet comprising a sheet-surface area structured and arranged to thermally interact with the surrounding environment, the thermal-interaction facesheet having a sheet thickness of about equal to or less than about 0.04 inches;ii) a fluid channel structured and arranged to channel a heat-transfer fluid within the thermal-transfer module, the fluid channel having an integrally formed wall and having a wall thickness, the fluid channel integrated with the thermal-interaction facesheet as a single extruded material, at least some of the material separating the surrounding environment and the fluid channel by at least the sheet thickness and the wall thickness, andiii) at least one modular engager structured and arranged to assisting modular engagement of the thermal-transfer module with at least one other thermal-transfer module; c) wherein the at least one modular engager is fixedly joined with at least one other modular engager of the at least one other thermal-transfer module by a solid-state weld.