Heat Switch Radiators with Movable Coolant Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal management systems for space vehicles face challenges in providing variable heat rejection rates across both cold and warm environments, as existing systems are not optimized for efficient heat transfer in changing operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A heat switch radiator design featuring a heat sink with laterally offset teeth, a movable coolant tube with corresponding teeth, and a thermal actuator that adjusts the position of the coolant tube to enhance heat transfer rates, utilizing thermal gaskets and a low-friction enclosure for efficient heat transfer, with heat flow increasing by up to twelve times when in the second position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional heat sink is used in space vehicles, then heat rejection is provided, but the heat transfer rate cannot be adjusted for varying operating environments (cold vs. warm)
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant tube is made movable relative to the heat sink through a groove mechanism that allows longitudinal displacement. This dynamic positioning enables the coolant tube to transition between a first position (reduced heat transfer) and a second position (enhanced heat transfer), allowing the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions without requiring multiple separate heat sink units
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink is segmented into multiple teeth structures that can selectively engage with corresponding teeth on the coolant tube. This segmentation allows partial thermal contact between the coolant tube and heat sink, enabling variable heat transfer rates by controlling which teeth segments are engaged at any given time
2Productivity
If the coolant tube is positioned for maximum heat transfer, then heat rejection efficiency is improved in warm environments, but heat transfer is excessive in cold environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic positioning mechanism that allows the coolant tube to be moved between a first position (reduced heat transfer for cold environments) and a second position (maximum heat transfer for warm environments). This dynamic adjustment enables the same heat sink to effectively serve both cold and warm operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal contact between the coolant tube and heat sink is controlled locally through selective tooth engagement. In the first position, fewer teeth are in contact providing lower heat transfer; in the second position, more teeth are in contact providing higher heat transfer. This local control of thermal contact areas enables adaptation to different environmental conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves a high turndown ratio heat transfer capability, effectively managing temperature variations in both cold and warm environments by optimizing heat transfer rates through the adjustable position of the coolant tube, ensuring efficient thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
each tooth includes first a thermal gasket in thermal contact with each tooth, each gasket disposed within the groove
Implementation Method 2
an actuator coupled between the heat sink and coolant tube, wherein the actuator is configured to move the coolant tube between first and second positions
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A heat switch (100) includes a heat sink (110), a coolant tube (130), and an actuator (160). The coolant tube is movable with respect to the heat sink. The actuator couples between the heat sink and the coolant tube and configured to move the coolant tube between a first position and a second position. Heat flow from the coolant tube into the heat sink is greater in the second position than in the first position for enhanced heat transfer from the coolant tube.