High turndown ratio heat switch using temperature-dependent magnetic forces

Improved passive heat switch technologies would allow thermal engineers to maintain vital spacecraft components at their operating temperatures without consuming onboard power. The proposed passive magnetic heat switch will utilize temperature-dependent magnetic forces to bring thin-film permanent magnets in and out of physical contact, leading to large changes in the thermal conductance with compact switch geometries. The ultimate goal of this research is to demonstrate the thermal capabilities of high-performance magnetic heat switches, in order to enable future advances in spacecraft thermal control systems.

This project will reduce complexities of active control related to passive thermal interfaces. •PMHS would improve spacecraft performance by reducing heat switch volume while maintaining high turndown ratios and would have crossover potential for terrestrial applications in thermal management and energy systems.

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