A Thermal Switch that regulates heat transfer through a heat transfer medium primarily for, but not restricted to, use in Nano Satellite thermal control systems. The switch functions passively due to the linear contraction of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wire as the heat source reaches a pre-determined temperature. This contraction applies pressure to the thermal interface allowing heat to transfer from the heat source, through a thermally conductive medium, to a heat sink. The progressive contraction of the SMA wire with heating causes the interface pressure to increase as a function of heat source temperature. The switch will 'turn off at a pre-determined temperature due to the relaxation of the SMA wire on cooling and subsequent return of the switch to its 'off position through the use of bias springs. The thermal conductivity of the heat transfer medium used with the Thermal Switch varies with applied pressure. As such, the switch provides both a control and regulation function.
Passive Thermal Control System for Nano Satellite Applications
2018-09-13
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
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