Non-Toxic, Low Freezing, Drop-in Replacement Heat Transfer Fluids, Phase II

Drop-in heat transfer fluids replacements for ITCS and EVA suits were down-selected and characterized in Phase I for various metrics including density, heat capacity, viscosity, freezing point, freezing expansion, toxicity, NFPA rating, flash point, materials compatibility, heat transfer coefficients, and several Figures of Merit related to heat transfer, pressure drop, and pump work. Optimized solutions had freezing points of about -30 C and freezing volume expansions 50%-75% less than water. The toxicity of the fluids is predicted to be "low" and also compatible with SS, BNi-2, PTFE and pEVA. The heat transfer Figures of Merit were 75-100 relative to water ("100"), and better than propylene glycol and organic heat transfer fluids. The pump work metric was only about 60% higher than water. We also identified a superior pH buffering agent to compensate for CO2 absorption and demonstrated a biocide "package" to prevent any microbial growth. The Phase II effort will optimize and comprehensively characterize these fluids (including toxicity), perform life testing, and deliver fluids to NASA at the end of the project.

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.

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