Experimental Validation of a 50-kW Thermal Management System for High Power Density Systems

OSD is currently seeking compact and lightweight thermal management systems (TMS) for airborne and ground-based high-power electronics (HPE), high-energy laser (HEL), and directed energy weapons (DEW) systems that are capable of dissipating extremely high heat fluxes at temperatures potentially below the heat rejection temperature. Therefore, Mainstream proposes demonstrating a vapor-compression-cycle TMS that is capable of dissipating 500 W/cm2 at 30°C and 200 W/cm2 at 100°C. Mainstream has already demonstrated complete closed-loop TMSs capable of dissipating these heat fluxes using our patented thermal control and compressor technologies. The proposed full-scale design occupies only 18% of the allowable volume specified in the solicitation. In Phase I, Mainstream will perform a small-scale demonstration and use the results to complete a detailed design of the full-scale system. The small-scale demonstration will use representative heat fluxes and therefore validate the size, weight, and efficiency prior to Phase II funding decisions. In Phase II, Mainstream will demonstrate a full-scale TMS that will be transitioned to the prime contractors in Phase III for government use.