Multipurpose hybrid thermal control system of lunar lander based on a pumped fluid loop

This paper describes the unmanned lunar lander having a thermal control system (TCS) based on the pumped fluid loop (PFL). In the proposed TCS, by circulation of the cooling liquid, the heat generated by the equipment and instruments mounted on a thermally insulated platform is removed. The heat transfer from the coolant fluid to the radiative heat exchangers (RHX) will be organized via loop heat pipes (LHPs). For this purpose, four heat exchangers having an effective thermal link between LHP's evaporators and fluid loop is used. The condensers of four LHP's are integrated in four solar array panels. The solar array panels are oriented oppositely and serve alternately as radiators. The temperature control is carried out using LHPs because their thermal resistance varies in a predetermined manner via existing passive regulators. With use of a simplified thermal mathematical model, the ability of the proposed hybrid TCS based on PFL and LHPs, as well as its basic characteristics in a lunar surface environment conditions are estimated.