Characterization of electrohydrodynamic heat transport components in a space-type nuclear reactor

Abstract

The paper characterizes and describes the design of a capillary pumped loop with an EHD enhanced evaporator for use in a space reactor. The evaporator uses a wick to transfer the vapour and heat to a vapour section where the vapour is pumped using a EHD gas pump. The vapour is then transferred to a condenser where it is condensed into a liquid and recirculated after the heat has been removed. The design is shown in concept to be an effective method of heat transport in zero and microgravity environments.