Development of a Low Specific Speed, Centrifugal, Mini Pump for a Two Phase Mechanically Pumped Fluid Loop

Date

2019-07-07

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

49th International Conference on Environmental Systems

Abstract

In recent years, there has been significant interest in the development of two phase, mechanically pumped fluid loops (2φMPFL) for spacecraft thermal control. 2φMPFLs have significant performance, mass, and volume advantages over single phase MPFLs and passive loop heat pipe (LHP) systems, which are well documented in the literature. However, 2φMPFLs have several design challenges that must be addressed. One such challenge is the development of a highly reliable, long life fluid pump. 2φMPFL systems tend to require low flow and relatively high pressure drop, most appropriate for positive displacement pumps. Traditionally, positive displacement pumps are not suitable for long life spacecraft applications or low viscosity fluids due to their inherent susceptibility to wear. Centrifugal pumps have been proven in long life spacecraft applications, but their behavior is not well known in this low specific speed regime. A low specific speed, miniature, centrifugal pump is being developed to address this challenge. The “mini pump” has been sized for use in 1-2 kW class, ammonia, 2φMPFL, for next generation spacecraft. This paper describes the development status of the mini pump, including results from the breadboard model testing.

Description

Diego Mugurusa, Collins Aerospace, USA
Michael Arner, Collins Aerospace, USA
Caitlin Patruski, Collins Aerospace, USA
Gary Adamson, Collins Aerospace, USA
Mark Neumann, Randstad Technologies, USA
Harold Hansen, Collins Aerospace, USA
ICES104: Advances in Thermal Control Technology
The 49th International Conference on Environmental Systems as held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA on 07 July 2019 through 11 July 2019.

Keywords

two phase, two-phase, thermal control, pump, mechanical pump, mechanically pumped fluid loop, MPFL, specific speed, centrifugal

Citation