Prototype Microscale Electrohydrodynamic Based Thermal Control Hardware

This is a crosscutting technology that promises to make it easier and more efficient to remove heat from small spaces, vastly expanding the capabilities of advanced instruments and microprocessors. If engineers can develop technology to carry away more heat, they will be able to use higher-power, more capable components that do generate more heat than less powerful circuitry. This technology, a microscale electrohydrodynamic (EHD)-based thermal control device, addresses the challenge. Principal investigators believe the technology could be used in electronic cards, lab-on-a-chip scientific instruments, quick-response spacecraft, and power electronics in aircraft and automobiles.

The principal investigator expects this subsystem to provide thermal stability, improved reliability, and greater processing capacity. It satisfies NASA goals to significantly improve resource efficiency and capability of onboard processing systems, potentially benefiting the xilinx processor, SpaceCube, and such missions as NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration. The principal investigator, who is seeking and has received funding from a number of non-NASA organizations, will continue laying the technical foundation to ultimately enable onboard data-processing thermal-control solutions at the electronic component, chip, board and enclosure level.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.