Cooling Enhancements for Radiators

This Phase I will test the application of high heat conducting carbon fibers to increase the efficiency of air/liquid heat exchangers. TRA's unique technology to apply molten copper to carbon fibers will allow the reliable construction of copper/graphite heat exchanger structures. Since TRA's technique will allow the selective application to copper interfaces, the manufacturing of a common heat exchanger, such as a vehicle radiator, could be accomplished in a single molding/casting operation. This unique process will result in a competitively priced structure. Other advantages include lower weight, efficiencies, and new geometries for future applications. In Phase I, TRA will prove the concept of taking advantage of high longitudinal heat transfer carbon fibers to process heat from the air flow to a heat sink frame and to a flowing air stream. Various fiber matrix structures will be fabricated and tested in TRA's air flow apparatus. Relative efficiencies of the new composite heat exchanger and standard or stock exchangers will be determined. This technology will find wide use military and commercial aerospace, ground vehicle radiators, air conditioning, and boiler applications. Many industrial processes also rely on enhanced capability heat exchangers.