Solid-State Power Amplifier Thermal Management

ABSTRACT: ThermAvant proposes to design, model and empirically demonstrate Oscillating Heat Pipes for the acquisition, transport and rejection of waste heat generated from next-generation PA devices with high heat flux and high operating temperatures for use in spacecraft systems. Innovations to be investigated and experimented include hitherto unexplored working fluids and low thermal resistance channel features. Key technical challenges will be identifying start-up, steady state and shutdown conditions for varying geometries and working fluid combinations. Successful research will conclude with high temperature prototypes that are thinner, lighter and of higher heat capacity than status quo thermal control technologies used in satellite systems. Lastly, the research team will work with agency and prime contractor subject matter experts to ensure Phase I designs and results are applicable to real-world satellite systems and operating conditions.; BENEFIT: This technology aims to relieve the thermal constraints that currently face high power density power amplifiers in space-based systems; however the results and findings will be useful to a wide range of military and commercial systems including radars, electronic warfare, broadband and telecommunications. Lastly, the basic research involved will test the operating limits of the oscillating heat pipe technology at distances, powers and operating temperatures not yet understood in industry or academia.