KaZaK Advanced Radiator Design (KARD), a Low Weight, Low Volume, High Performance Composite Radiator

KaZaK Composites Incorporated will develop and demonstrate a next generation heat exchanger incorporating a new lightweight, low cost structure that reduces pressure drop across the radiator and improves overall cooling efficiency compared to the current production HMMWV radiator. The motivation for such advanced radiator systems is driven by the current need to increase the power pack size and output to compensate for increased vehicle weight arising from additional armor protection and other capabilities. KaZaK development efforts will focus on the use of novel higher conductivity fibers in carbon composite fabrication to produce a radiator with high thermal conductivity. The novel engineered thermal composite materials have higher specific thermal efficiency than aluminum, offering improved performance for lower volume and mass. The greater specific thermal efficiency allows for more compact packaging because of the ability to more effectively dissipate heat. The innovative composite system will serve both as thermal management and structural material. This technology will be integrated to produce and test a preliminary prototype HMMWV radiator. Upon completion of Phase I, the Army will have insight into a new, high performance radiator system that will demonstrate significant improvements in performance as KaZaK moves toward qualification in Phase II.