Microfabricated Thermal Switches for Emittance Control

Details Microfabricated Thermal Switches for Emittance Control Microfabricated Thermal Switches for Emittance Control

Feb 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004aipc..699..119b&link_type=abstract

SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INTERNAT.FORUM-STAIF 2004: Conf.on Thermophys.in Microgravity; Commercial/Civil Next Gen.Space

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Spaceborne And Space Research Instruments, Apparatus, And Components, Thermal Instruments And Apparatus, Micro- And Nano-Electromechanical Systems And Devices

Scientific paper

The trend to smaller satellites with limited resources in weight and power requires a new approach to thermal control to replace heaters with emittance-controlled radiators. There are a number of approaches to variable emittance radiators such as variable emittance coatings or louvers. This paper describes an actively controlled radiator based on a micro electromechanical (MEMS) thermal switch. The switch operates by electrostatically switching a high emittance membrane in and out of contact with the substrate. The radiator is covered with an array of large numbers of these switches, which allows an almost digital control of the apparent emittance of the radiator. The thermal and electromechanical design of the MEMS device is discussed. A proof-of-concept design has been fabricated and tested that uses a gold membrane suspended on polymer posts. In the open position, actuation voltages range from 8 to 25 volts; this was consistent with our electromechanical model for the devices.

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