Flat heat pipes for heat removal from electronic equipment in space vehicles

The copper-water flat heat pipes for heat removal from electronic components of space vehicle are presented. The mathematical model of heat transfer in flat heat pipes, which allows to calculate temperature fields and maximum heat load, is presented. Numerical calculations performed allowed to evaluate thermal characteristics of flat heat pipes and showed the prospectivity of their use in removal of heat from electronic equipment. Experimental investigations of T-shaped flat heat pipes are conducted. The presented experimental results confirmed the high efficiency of heat transfer. Developed flat heat pipes allow to significantly increase the thermal performance of heat removal system and reduce the temperature drop between heat sources and heat sink of the spacecraft.