Assessing the Potential of Heat Pumps to Reduce the Radiator Size on Small Satellites

Future small satellites will demand high-performance on-board electronics, requiring sophisticated approaches to heat rejection beyond simply increasing the radiator surface area. An interesting alternative approach is increase temperature of radiator, using a pump. In this study, calculations were carried out compute theoretical size reduction potential enacted by having pump as part satellite’s thermal management system. The practical likelihood ‘typical’ vapor compression cycle (VCC) satisfying requirements was considered. agreement with calculations, employing VCC could either or decrease required choice and its design therefore crucial. A large lift essential for satellite cooling applications, coefficient performance (COP) being less important. Even low COP, such 2.4, providing lift, close 60 °C, reduce area factor 1.4. This significant reduction. decision on whether pursue compared alternatives, deployable radiators, should consider relative complexity, cost, weight, size, reliability, etc., two options. focus study pumps; however, results provide targets mature technologies, e.g., caloric devices, which ultimately be applied in space.