California Institute of Technology

Sean W Reilly

Dan M Goebel

Scott N Roberts

Karl Y Yee

Robert Peter Dillon

Benjamin I Furst

Eric T Sunada

Systems and methods for embedding a thermal management system in an electric propulsion (EP) system is presented. According to one aspect, one or more oscillating heat pipes (OHPs) are provided within functional elements of the EP system. Each OHP includes channel segments that include a sealed working fluid. The channel segments are joined to form a continuous serpentine channel with a channel path that alternates between hot and cold regions of the EP system. According to another aspect, the functional elements of the EP system are reduced to a single monolithic structure with an embedded OHP. The single monolithic structure may be a single material or a multi material. According to yet another aspect, the functional elements are elements of a magnetic circuit of the EP system, including one or more of a backplate, an outer pole, an inner pole, or a center pole.

Thermally managed electric propulsion systems

A wicking structure comprising a biporous wick formed with a semiconductor (e.g., silicon), wherein the biporous wick comprises first pores and second pores formed by the semiconductor and the first pores are larger than the second pores.

Silicon biporous wick for high heat flux heat spreaders

Growing community of inventors

Pasadena, CA, United States of America

Sean W Reilly