Micro-Channel Embedded Pulsating Heat Pipes, Phase I

As the need for thermal control technology becomes more demanding Micro-Channel Embedded Pulsating Heat Pipes (ME-PHPs) represents a sophisticated and enabling solution. Currently laboratory tests indicate that a magnitude jump in thermal conductivity can be expected with ME-PHPs over conventional materials like aluminum and copper. ME-PHPs will give NASA and the spacecraft community a powerful tool for the thermal control of instruments, detectors, lasers, communication systems, MEMS and power systems. Especially those requiring tight thermal control to the micro Kelvin levels. By embedding heat pipes within a plane of a sheet or plate the heat exchanging media can be placed as close as physically possible to the warm source thus maintaining the narrowest possible temperature gradient. The thermal energy can then be easily transported to any other area within the plane of the sheet for dissipation purposes. ME-PHPs are stackable and scalable to any thermal load requirement.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.