SBIR/STTR
Self-Powered Magnetothermal Fluid Pump, Phase II
Project Introduction
Advances in the capabilities of electronics have enabled high power density devices. However, even in light of advances in electronics efficiency figures, the increased power density operational points result in the generation of excess heat. In order to maintain efficiency and to product sensitive components from thermally-induced failure, intelligent rejection of thermal energy is often a critically limiting constraint in system development. Novel concepts for thermal management are particular necessary in applications with finite energy stores, such as long-duration space missions. The Prime Photonics magnetothermal fluid pump provides for game-changing, autonomous self-powered thermal management systems. Our self-powered pump converts excess thermal energy into point-of-use mechanical energy with a low mass insertion penalty. The operational frequency of the pump is proportional to the magnitude of the thermal gradient, supplying additional pump capacity in response to increased thermal loads.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: Cubesat thermal management: For smaller craft thermal rejection or management requirements, a self-powered pump would allow for the design and implementation of systems that do not consume limited electrical power resources. Remote sensor thermal management: The autonomous, self-powered pump scavenges all operational energy requirements from the thermal gradient under management, requiring neither electrical leads for device powering nor for any control signals. Long duration lunar lander projects: Actively pump thermal management concepts for lunar lander missions have in general not been considered due to parasitic power consumption. The self-powered, autonomous capability of the magnetothermal fluid pump allows for advance heat spreading and alternative thermal management system design with no additional power consumption. EVA or astronaut thermal control: Our technology can be tuned to operate with very small thermal gradient excitation with a wide range of absolute temperature ranges. As such, thermal management, including heat or cooling, could be powered through astronaut body heat, or scavenged thermal energy from avionics.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, AL |
| Prime Photonics, LC | Supporting Organization | Industry | Blacksburg, VA |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
-
Virginia
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- David Gray
Project Duration
Start: Apr 2014
End: Apr 2016
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 4 |
| Current: | 5 |
| Estimated End: | 5 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX14 Thermal Management Systems
- TX14.2 Thermal Control Components and Systems
- TX14.2.3 Heat Rejection and Storage
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