Advanced Cooling for Satellite Communications On-the-Move Antennas

Aspen Systems Inc. proposes to develop a proprietary antenna cooling system for Satellite Communications on-the-move (SATCOM OTM) applications. This system will replace an existing thermal control unit with a lighter and higher performance system designed to keep the antenna electronics cooler than existing systems and cooler than ambient. The system will consist of a series of heat exchangers integrated to replace the existing unit at 25% lower weight while maintaining a 10% or greater lower temperature than current capabilities. It is anticipated that the proposed system technology will be applicable to both satellite dish and phased array antenna designs. Beyond current passive systems that always allow electronics to run hotter than ambient, the proposed highly efficient active system will enable longer life, reliability, and expand the operating temperature range of antenna systems. The system will be designed for minimum power consumption, minimum weight, maximum efficiency, and minimum size. The program will develop a full specification, initiate a new design, fabricate, and thermally test a thermal control system.