Analysis and Evaluation of a Vapor-Chamber Fin-Tube Radiator for High-Power Rankine Cycles
Abstract
An analytical investigation of a flat, direct- condensing fin-tube radiator employing segmented vapor-chamber fins as a means of improving heat rejection was performed A for illustrative high-power, high-temperature Rankine_space power electric generating systems. A vapor- chamber fin is obtained by replacing the conventional single solid fin with a double wall fin that forms a hollow chamber between tubes. A working fluid in the chamber can then be boiled off the tube surface and condensed on the fin surface of the chamber to produce a fin of constant temperature. Condensate is then returned to the boiling surface by some means of capillary pumping. The analysis of the vapor-chamber fin-tube radiator considered pressure drop in the radiator tubes and headers, meteoroid protection for the tubes headers, and vapor-chamber fins, and temperature drop in the tube armor in the develop ment of the descriptive equations. The heat transfer, weight, and geometric characteristics of the vapor-chamber fin-tube radiator were determined over a wide range of variables for two illustrative radiator design applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- ADA392820
Entities
People
- Bruce G. Lindow
- Henry C. Haller
- Seymour Lieblein
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration