Demonstration of an Integrated Spray Cooling System for Solid-State, Phased Array Antennas

Mainstream recently completed a highly successful Phase I project to demonstrate the benefits of spray cooling high-power microwave amplifiers (device-level) used in solid-state, phased array transmitters / receivers. Heat flux removal rates in excess of100 W/cm2 were achieved at wall superheats less than 12 K using inert, dielectric refrigerants. Amplifier output power was increased by 37% and efficiency was increased by 14%. While these results are significant in laying the groundwork for anintegrated spray cooling system for phased array antennas, additional work must be performed to optimize the spray system and increase reliability of the thermal / electrical system. In Phase II, Mainstream along with our commercial radar partner, willdemonstrate the benefits of spray cooling a multi-channel transmitter (module-level). Based on Phase I test results, a 40% increase in power output, a 30% increase in efficiency, and an order of magnitude increase in reliability are expected. Thisenabling thermal technology has immediate application to MDA's Medium Extended Air Defense, Theater High Altitude Area Defense, Ground-Based Midcourse Defense, Sea-Based Midcourse Defense, and Advanced Concepts Programs and can be extended to otherhigh-heat-flux cooling applications including MDA's Airborne Laser, Space-Based Laser, and Kinetic Energy Laser Programs.