Passive High Performance Heat Storage and Dissipation Technology for Transient High Power Thermal Management

Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT), in partnership with the University of Nevada-Reno (UNR), is developing a high performance metal hydride heat storage and dissipation technology for high power lasers. The proposed technology incorporates heat pipes for passive acquisition and dissipation of high heat flux heat loads and metal hydrides for storage of the heat loads during the laser operation. The STTR Phase I program (Contract No. FA8650-04-M-2517) successfully demonstrated the superior performance of the proposed technology over paraffin wax heat storage systems. The proposed Phase II program will design, fabricate and test prototype metal hydride systems to meet the requirements of the “Strategic Illuminator Laser” (SILL), an application of specific interest to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Air Force. Northrop Grumman Space Technology (NGST), the prime contractor on the SILL program, will be a subcontractor on the proposed STTR Phase II program. NGST will guide ACT’s development effort by providing design requirements and technical information regarding the SILL program. NGST will also consider testing ACT’s prototype systems at conditions representative of the SILL program.