Optimizing Nanosatellite Power Generation Integrating Heat Pipes and Thermoelectric Generators for Low Earth Orbit Conditions

Electric power generation is crucial for efficiently operating spacecraft, including nanosatellites. Solar panels are widely used for this purpose; however, alternative technologies have been investigated to enhance nanosatellite power generation due to area limitations and low efficiency. This study conducted experimental research involving integrating two devices, heat pipes and thermoelectric generators (TEGs), to augment electric power generation in nanosatellites, particularly those of the 1U CubeSat standard. The study encompassed an assessment of the performance of these devices in various configurations and couplings within a nanosatellite. Furthermore, the feasibility of employing commercial copper–water heat pipes in nanosatellites was also explored. For this, a thermal vacuum chamber was developed that emulated space conditions and validated the experiments constructed. By utilizing solar irradiance data from the UFSC-developed CubeSat FloripaSat-I, it was possible to emulate the behavior of a solar panel, heat pipe, and TEG within the thermal vacuum chamber. The results presented in this study show that copper–water heat pipes coupled to solar panels increase electricity generation by 23%. When calculating the ratio between the energy generated by the device's mass, the value found was 10.05 mWh/g, demonstrating the viability of this approach. Experimental results demonstrated that copper–water heat pipes work in orbital conditions, even in temperatures below 0 °C. This adaptability is attributed to the transient regime in a low Earth orbit and the continuously imposed thermal loads, allowing its functionality in these conditions.