LHPs with TCV's can also be used in commercial and military satellites in cases where the radiator sink conditions change and there is a need to maintain the electronics within a precise temperature control band. The valve could be designed to throttle back and reduce the heat rejected to the space sink conditions, reducing the electrical power required for current LHP thermal control schemes. A second application is cooling of commercial and military aircraft components, specifically for UAVs. While operating at high altitudes during day operations, the LHP can reject the thermal load to the aircraft skin or forced convection sink. At night and colder ambient temperatures, the TCV could throttle back to limit heat rejection and maintain electronics temperatures.
A typical application is for the thermal management of the electronics and batteries for the NASA Anchor Node Mission for the International Lunar Network (ILN). The ILN could be powered by either solar or a radioisotope power system. In either case, electronics and batteries will face the same thermal challenges to establish a variable thermal link between lunar day and night environments. Rovers will be used for exploration of Mars and the lunar surface. Their mission success will depend upon the electronics and batteries being maintained with a narrow temperature band. The Loop Heat Pipe with Thermal Control Valve will eliminate the shut-down power required for conventional LHPs, which has an extreme mass penalty.
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