ENGINEERING STUDY OF VAPOR CYCLE COOLING EQUIPMENT FOR ZERO-GRAVITY ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
An analytical and experimental study was performed of space vehicle vapor cycle cooling systems operating in a zero-gravity environment. The evaporator temperature varied from 40 to 55 F, and the condenser temperature varied between 150 and 250 F; the evaporator cooling load varied from 400 to 4000 BTU/min. The ultimate heat dissipation is by radiation to space. The operation of a vapor cycle in a zero-gravity environment was considered with emphasis on the vaporliquid separation problems in evaporation and condensation. The vortex evaporator is presented as a solution to the zero-gravity evaporation problem. The spiral condenser is presented as a solution to the zero-g condenser problem. An analysis for and design of a rotating condenser is shown. Wick materials are well suited to zero-gravity evaporators. Film condensation under zero gravity in the laminar region is also analyzed. For vapor cycles operating at large differences in condenser and evaporator temperature, the substitution of an expansion engine for the throttle valve results in a significant improvement in the cycle performance. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0267520
Entities
People
- Kymus Ginwala
- Thomas Blatt