A High-Efficiency, Low-Power, Two-Phase Pumped Loop (MEC Prop No. 901LG2002)

The goal of the Phase II effort is to optimize the desing of and demonstrate a low-lift heat pump thermal control system for spacecraft heat refection. This low-lift heat pump thermal control system will use an innovative magnetic-bearing centrifugalcompressor. The Phase II effort will result in optimization of the centrifugal compressor impeller, diffuser, and shroud designs through extensive experimental testing. The optimized compressor components will then be demonstrated with the magnetic bearingsystem. The magnetic bearing centrifugal compressor will then be incorporated into a prototype heat pump thermal control system which will contain prototypical cold plate and condenser designs. This prototype system will be extensively tested anddemonstrated to measure performance parameters such as power consumption, cooling capacity, system size and mass, and oter key parameters. Finally, the performance information will be used to develop a preliminary design of a system for a future flightexperiment. There are both military and commercial applications for the low-lift heat pump space craft thermal control system. Military applications include conventinal satellites, space-based radar, space-based laser, and other high-power space-basedweapon and surveillance systems. Commercial applications include larger commercial satellites for communications, surveillance and other applications.