JIETSSP: Development of a Micro Loop Heat Pipe Using Novel Coherent Porous Silicon: A System for Thermal Management of Space Solar Power Generation Systems

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus, Cincinnati OH

Investigators

Abstract

0233284 Henderson Waste heat transfer and management constitutes one of the major issues for devices in space development - - whether for electronics, solar cells, concentrators or other elements. This project proposes the development of a very novel planar micro Loop Heat Pipe (LPH) to accomplish this purpose, based upon a potentially revolutionary Coherent Porous Silicon (CPS) configuration as the integrated wick. The LHP provides a circulating fluid, which carries away massive heat by virtue of the latent heat of phase transformation from liquid to vapor, and the vapor condenses back to liquid at the condenser, where it drops the latent heat (to be radiated) . The liquid is returned to the surface to be cooled by the all-important wick which serves as the "engine" for circulation - - thus requiring no other external power except for the waste heat itself. The wick works by capillary action, and the CPS wick is the revolutionary element, where a batch photoelectrochemical process has been developed to place many thousands of coherent uniform "worm holes" of micron size vertically through an ordinary (100) silicon wafer which when oxidized produce wicks of enormous capillary "sucking" pressure. A flat (planar) cooling surface results directly. Moreover, silicon is an ultralight material. Areas may be made as extensive as needed, with calculated cooling capacities of 300 or more W/cm2.