Jumping Droplet Thermal Diodes for Spacecraft Thermal Control

The unpredictable and transient thermal conditions that a spacecraft experiences have made thermal management a bottleneck to the advancement of ongoing space exploration efforts. It is thus imperative to develop robust thermal systems capable of maintaining the spacecraft at desirable operating temperatures. As cited in the TA14 Roadmap, switchable thermal devices capable of switching between states of high and low thermal conductances, to either permit or block heat transfer, show promise in achieving such a task. However, active thermal devices that require external power sources and bulky peripheral components engender weight and reliability issues, while most passive thermal devices are unsuitable for space environments due to insufficient heat rectification performances or a gravitational dependence. The recently developed jumping droplet thermal diode (JDTD) has the potential to circumvent these issues as it operates passively, displays high heat rectification performance, and exhibits negligible gravitational dependence.

In response to TA14.2.2.4, the goal of this proposed work is to investigate and develop the operational performance of the JDTD in an integrated setting to understand the capabilities and limitations of the device in an application-level context. Demonstration of the device will entail fabrication and testing of the device based on previous studies, to show that sufficient heat rectification performances can be realized in spacecraft operating conditions. Upon demonstration of such suitability, the design of the device will be further assessed to improve the device performance and durability. Such a task will be accomplished through optimization studies on the device geometry and dimensions, surface design characterization, and an exploration of active methods that enhance the device performance. Improvements in the device performance and durability are necessary to further advance the technology readiness level of the JDTD.

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