SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION

PROJECT SUMMARY

Proposal Number:

12.10-3800A

Project Title:

LIGHTWEIGHT RECUPERATIVE RADIATOR FOR SPACECRAFT THERMAL MANAGEMENT

Technical Abstract:

We propose a lightweight radiator with an innovative configuration that provides constant heat rejection temperature over a wide range of heat loads and heat sink temperatures. The innovative feature which provides this excellent thermal control is recuperative heat transfer between the outflow lines from the evaporator to the radiator and the return flow lines from the radiator. This configuration and approach can be used with two phase CPLs or mechanically pumped thermal management systems. Good control and high reliability will be provided at low mass. In Phase I we will build a proof of concept radiator element using readily available materials and then test it. In Phase II we will construct a prototypical radiator and demonstrate the integral behavior of the radiator with a thermal management system. Expected results with a successful radiator include better thermal regulation, superior redundancy compared with heat pipe or once through radiators, and a factor of two savings in weight. These benefits have the potential to save millions of dollars in launch costs for NASA space missions.

Potential Commercial Applications:

The benefits of better thermal regulation and greater reliability will benefit all future spacecraft with two phase thermal management systems, such as CPLs being developed by NASA and DoD. This includes manned craft as well as radar, communications, or EOS satellites. Aerospace manufacturers will be interested in this approach. The radiator is a massive element of thermal management systems, accounting for as much as 50 to 100 kg of the spacecraft weight at power levels of 10 kW. Thus, cutting the weight of the radiator by a factor of two will save millions of dollars in launch costs.

Name and Address of Offeror:

Creare Incorporated
Etna Road, P.O. Box 71
Hanover, NH 03755