Hybrid Cooling Loop Technology for Robust High Heat Flux Cooling

Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) proposes to develop a hybrid cooling loop and cold plate technology for space systems thermal management. The proposed technology combines the high heat flux performance of active cooling loops with the effective fluid management of passive cooling devices. The result is a simple, robust and high performance cooling technology that allows maximum degree of packaging flexibility. The principal Phase I objective is to demonstrate the basic concept of combining mechanical pumping and capillary force for improved heat flux capability and fluid management. This objective will be fulfilled through modeling/analysis and proof-of-concept testing. It is expected that the Phase I results will bring the proposed concept to the NASA defined Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4: Breadboard validation in a laboratory environment. Phase II will verify the technology?s operational robustness under transient and startup conditions and package the technology in miniaturized and lightweight configurations for compact system cooling. The follow-on Phase III will conduct flight qualification testing of the technology to address the micro gravity effects and the system integration.