Development of a Micro-Pumped Cryogenic Two Phase Heat Transport System

"Foster-Miller is proposing a simple solution to the problem of cooling satellite instrumentation to cryogenic temperature. The system is a micro-pumped, 2-phase heat transport loop that employs multiple MEMS-size micro-pumps to move a cryogenic fluidbetween an evaporator and a condenser. The system is simpler than either a cryogenic CPL or loop heat pipe and a liquid accumulator and a sintered capillary wick structure are not needed for operation, which greatly reduces both the system mass and fluidcharge. The micro-pumped cryogenic heat transport loop is particularly adaptable for use across a 2-axis gimbal, since flexure can be provided by simply adding coils to the system tubing. The use of multiple MEMS micro-pumps provides redundancy andreliability to the system and can control temperature precisely at the electronic interface. The pump power required is very low, on the order of 7 mW, which does not add significantly to the heat load of the system. (P020195) The micro-pumped cryogenic heat transport loop is applicable to both government and commercial satellite applications. The system is seen as an enabling technology, since no satisfactory way to cool satellite electronics to cryogenic temperature are nowavailable. Short-term potential applications exist for military satellites. Commercial applications will develop when the heat transport system becomes available."