Vapor Compression Cycles for High Component Heat Loads on Next-Generation Small Satellites

High-power small satellites (SmallSats) have the potential to provide new and advanced capabilities; however, significant challenges prevent wide-spread use. Of these challenges, thermal management of high heat loads is most significant. This paper evaluates vapor compression cycles (VCCs) as a thermal management solution to increase the maximum component heat load at a fixed radiator area. The VCC with radiative heat transfer as a heat sink is described with analytical equations that couple the required compressor work input for a desired additional component heat load for a given second law efficiency. A figure of merit is defined. In a case study, the results of the equations are compared to a numerically modelled vapor compression cycle. Challenges for a realization of vapor compression cooling on-board SmallSats are pointed out.