Thermally Reconfigurable Sandwich Structure (TRSS)

The military is investigating flexible thermal architectures that enable a tactical satellite bus to support a range of operational needs. In response, the team of Infoscitex Corp., the University of Pennsylvania’s microfluidics/nanofluidics lab, and Lockheed-Martin Space Systems Company propose to develop an innovative satellite sandwich panel with embedded thermal control. The panel contains an embedded fluid loop for highly controllable convective heat transfer. The fluid loop runs both across the surface and through the thickness of the panel, enabling heat spreading, heat transfer between two components, and/or modulation of the path to the radiator. Infoscitex’s unique method of manufacturing the panel makes such a network possible, and U. Penn’s expertise in microfluidics allows actuation and control of the network to be precise, efficient, and to use no mechanical moving parts. Lockheed-Martin will support the transition of this technology to their small satellite and advanced technology programs, and will provide input along the way regarding embedded circuitry, materials compatibility, and system requirements.