Patent · US Expired

Phase change material thermal control for electric propulsion

US6478257B1 · kind B1 · utility

15Cited by
9References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 15, 2001
Grant dateNov 12, 2002
Priority date—
Expiry dateJul 16, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64G1/503
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods that employ a phase change material to provide thermal control of electric propulsion devices (thrusters). A spacecraft is configured to have an electric propulsion thruster. The electric propulsion thruster is surrounded with a phase change material. Suitable phase change materials include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), waxes, paraffin materials, and eutectic salts. The spacecraft is launched into orbit. The electric propulsion thruster is fired for a predetermined period of time. Heat generated by the electric propulsion thruster is absorbed and stored in the phase change material while the thruster is firing. The stored heat is dissipated into space after the thruster has stopped firing.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.