Title :
Thermal switches based on coplanar EWOD for satellite thermal control
Author :
Gong, Jian ; Cha, Gilhwan ; Ju, Y. Sungtaek ; Kim, Chang-Jin
Author_Institution :
Univ. of California, Los Angeles
Abstract :
We propose and demonstrate a novel liquid-droplet-based thermal switch aimed for satellite thermal control by using coplanar electro-wetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) configuration. By fabricating and testing the proof-of-concept devices, we confirm the mechanism of droplet detaching and attaching for the thermal switches. Thermal tests have shown the reasonable thermal performance with water and glycerin. Further development with novel liquid with low vapor pressure and high thermal conductivity is expected to improve the performance.
Keywords :
artificial satellites; microswitches; space vehicle electronics; thermal conductivity; thermal variables control; wetting; coplanar EWOD; coplanar electro-wetting-on-dielectric configuration; droplet detaching mechanism; liquid-droplet-based thermal switches; proof-of-concept devices; satellite thermal control; thermal tests; Contacts; Electrodes; Heat transfer; Satellites; Solids; Space heating; Switches; Temperature control; Thermal management; Voltage;
Conference_Titel :
Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, 2008. MEMS 2008. IEEE 21st International Conference on
Conference_Location :
Tucson, AZ
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-1792-6
Electronic_ISBN :
1084-6999
DOI :
10.1109/MEMSYS.2008.4443789
