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Title: Liquid Droplet Radiator collector development

Conference · · Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5893350

The radiator can represent the dominant weight penalty on future very high power space systems. A Liquid Droplet Radiator (LDR) has the potential to be significantly lighter than conventional radiators. In the LDR concept, small droplets (about 100..mu..m diameter) of low vapor pressure fluid are sprayed into space, cooled by radiation and collected for recirculation to the heat source. Collection of the multiple droplet stream in a vacuum and zero-gravity requires novel approaches to obtain the near 100% efficiency necessary to minimize fluid loss and prevent spacecraft contamination. All collector ideas including passive, magnetic, centrifugal and electrostatic are being assessed. This paper describes the first seven months of a two-year program. Emphasis was placed on analysis of passive collection and the design of an experimental apparatus for detailed evaluation of droplet collection phenomenon.

Research Organization:
Grumman Aerospace Corporation, Bethpage, New York
OSTI ID:
5893350
Report Number(s):
CONF-840804-
Journal Information:
Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States), Vol. 1; Conference: Intersociety energy conversion engineering conference, San Francisco, CA, USA, 19 Aug 1984
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English