PROJECT TITLE: High Performance Heat Pipe
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Heat pipes, loop heat pipes, and capillary pumped loops are valued passive thermal transport devices for both terrestrial and space-based applications. Such two-phase systems exploit capillary forces which circulate the working fluid in the cycle. Thus, a balance between capillary driving pressure and viscous resistance serves as the primary limit to thermal performance. To circumvent this limitation, TDA Research, Inc. proposes development of a passive thermal cycle that generates driving pressure gradients 100-fold larger than current state-of-the-art capillary pressure gradients. For space applications, with such large increases in driving force, flow-through radiators with small passages may be employed, significantly decreasing the size and weight of the thermal control/rejection system. The passive thermal cycle proposed can exploit recent advances in radiator technology. Phase I research will focus on the characterization of the thermal cycle in terms of system geometry, properties, and specific application (ground- or space-based). Phase II development work will produce an optimized design for satellite heat rejection using flow-through radiators.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The passive thermal transport loop generates high driving pressures gradients: it does not suffer from capillary flow limitations, achieves the reliability of parallel-path systems, and can exploit lightweight radiator technology. Commercial applications will be in the thermal control of unmanned satellites (i.e., communication satellites) for the removal of heat from electronic components.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Mark Weislogel
TDA Research, Inc.
12345 W. 52nd Ave.
Wheat Ridge , CO 80033-1917
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
TDA Research, Inc.
12345 W. 52nd Ave.
Wheat Ridge , CO 80033-1917