Advanced Fluidic Architecture for Compact Electronic Systems

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

This project will involve developing an innovative, 3-D manifold-microchannel design using additive manufacturing techniques, which includes microfabrication of electronics samples in SiC with integrated cooling channels. By the end of FY21, we plan to select an optimal working fluid for this application and test the electronic samples with a flow loop to meet chip-level heat dissipation targets that are typically seen in high-powered electronics (100 W/cm²). This structure was previously manufactured as silicon-based 3-D manifold. However, this will be the first time that a SiC-based 3-D manifold architecture will be microfabricated and tested for this application. If successful, further analytical research will be conducted to improve the design so that it can achieve greater heat dissipation targets and determine next steps for infusion into NASA technology.

Benefits

The main objective of this project is to design an integrated cooling solution embedded in SiC-based electronics that can meet a heat dissipation target of 100 W/cm2 while maintaining low thermal resistances and reasonably low pressure drops. This technology can be utilized as a compact, lightweight thermal management system that enables advanced electronics (i.e. modular power converters and space-certified MOSFETS) to operate at high voltage and high power within deep-space radiation environments. Thus, this project will benefit electric propulsion systems for both space and aeronautics applications, utilizing only 5% of traditional heat sink mass.

Details

Technology area	Propulsion Systems > Electric Space Propulsion > Integrated Systems and Ancillary Technologies
Program	Center Innovation Fund: GRC CIF (GRC CIF)
Lead organization	Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Jarred M Wilhite — jarred.m.wilhite@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.