Two-Phase Ammonia Thermal Bus Testbed: Experimental Results 881109

Future large spacecraft such as the Space Station will have high power dissipations and long heat transport distances. The combination of these two requirements dictate the need for a new heat transport technology. Boeing Aerospace developed an ammonia thermal bus (ATB) concept using two-phase ammonia as the working fluid. Instrumentation and control systems were used to verify system performance, protect personnel and equipment safety, and run the system. The ATB was robust; thus operating procedures were simple and fault tolerant. Test results demonstrated a maximum heat load of 22 kW, a controllable turndown ratio of 44:1, and the ability to control setpoint temperatures within the range of 30 to 90°F. This paper describes the ammonia thermal bus (ATB), test instrumentation and control, procedures for operating the ATB, and test results.