High Temperature Heat Pipes and Passive Two-Phase Cooling Systems

This program is expected to result in a high-temperature heat pipe passive cooling system for space-borne phased array antennas. The innovative approach chosen for this project will result in a reliable g-force independent cooling system that is robust against launch and vibration forces as well as the zero-g environment of space. The system is lightweight, inexpensive, and efficient, and has the potential to significantly reduce the payload weight of satellites by enabling high-temperature components to dissipate effectively through higher temperature radiators. BENEFIT: The cooling system resulting from this effort is expected to be significantly smaller and lighter-weight than current ammonia heat pipes used for thermal management in satellite systems. This device will directly address the needs of the space market but will be applicable to several other markets including airborne flight hardware. This system has potential commercial application both military and commercial aircraft and can be applied to high-end servers for more effective chip cooling. Beyond passive cooling, this technology can be modified to become a microclimate refrigeration system with application to Firefighters, police, and HAZMAT teams, as well as military personnel.