Nanofluid-Based Active Thermal Control System for Small Satellites

This proposal addresses topic BMDO 01-007, Thermal Management, of the DoD SBIR Solicitation 01.1. The recent development of nanofluids, or fluids consisting of a conventional heat transfer base with nanometer-sized oxide or metallic particles suspendedwithin, offers the exciting possibility of increased heat transfer rates over conventional systems by more than 20%. In addition, the magnetic affinity of the solid particles in metallic suspensions allows for their manipulation by electromagnets, therebyeliminating the need for conventional pumps and controls and allows for enhanced heat transfer. This proposal is for the demonstration of a novel nanofluid-based actively controlled thermal management system for small satellite applications. Theadvantages of such a system include improved heat transfer performance, oil-less operation, compact size, reduced weight, and low power consumption, all of which are especially important for space, air, and even naval operations.The impact of this newnanofluid heat transfer and pump technology is tremendous considering that heat exchangers are used in a wide range of industrial applications and that heat transfer performance is vital in numerous multibillion-dollar industries. The envisioned benefitsof nanofluids include cost and energy savings because heat exchange systems can be made smaller and lighter and required pumping energy will be reduced. The EM Pump will also be compact, light weight, reliable, and oil-less, as required for spaceapplications.