Mechanically Assisted Heat Pipe Using Micro-Pumps

Thermal management devices in current satellites can be divided into passive thermal control (PTC) and pumped fluid loop (PFL) systems. The PTC systems, consisting of heat pipes, have an excellent history of reliability, but have a limited capacity for the transport of heat flux. The PFL systems, on the other hand, can dissipate large amount of heat, but not as reliable due to the usage of a mechanical fluid pump. This proposal will develop and demonstrate a new heat exchanger that will have the performance of PFL, and the reliability of a passive heat pipe. Furthermore, the new nano-scale pumping unit of this proposed system can be adapted to current and future micro-channel heat exchangers. There are three anticipated benefits. The obvious direct benefit is to provide thermal management devices for the growing satellite market. The second direct benefits is to improve the heat transfer capabilities, and hence the downsizing of heat exchangers currently used in many industries such as automotive and chemical plants. The third benefits is the development of micro-pumping and tubings. Commercial applications and benefits of micro-machinery technology are so large and vast that it cannot be predicted at this moment.