Project Title:

A miniature, self-regulating heat switch based on paraffin technology

	  94-1	08.05	6707

	  A miniature, self-regulating heat switch based on paraffin 
	  technology

Abstract:

A self-regulating miniature heat switch based on the phase change 
properties of paraffin is proposed. This innovation will provide 
passive, autonomous temperature regulation to spaceflight micro-
instruments and electronics packages. The objectives of this 
project are to determine the specification and design of a 
paraffin heat switch, fabricate a "proof-of-principle" unit, 
perform validation testing, and evaluate the test results. It is 
anticipated that validation tests will confirm the paraffin heat 
switch as a viable means of providing autonomous. stable 
temperature regulation through proportional conductivity. It is 
also anticipated that the "proof-of-principle" design will 
inherently lend its self to miniaturization and optimization 
during a phase 11 effort to develop a commercially producible, 
flight qualified product offering stability and self-regulation 
in a small, light package. This level of miniaturization opens 
the door to a new field of instrument mounts and thermal strap 
terminations which incorporate this technology without 
significant size increase. These devices will be utilized on the 
new generation of micro-instruments which require thermal 
stability to achieve enhanced capability, accuracy, and fidelity. 
These instruments will be deployed on NASA small-sats and micro-
sats which which rely on the simple operation and light-weighting 
of their payloads to perform missions "faster, better, and 
cheaper".

The market niche for smart materials thermal switches has emerged 
through the evolution of spacecraft instrument and electronics 
design in conjunction with a significant shift in spacecraft 
design. This niche is projected to expand rapidly as the trend 
towards small satellites and micro satellites with sophisticated 
and sensitive payloads continues. This shift is being seen not 
only in NASA, but in military and commercial space as well. 
Terrestrial applications for this device would include thermal 
control of small instruments or electronics packages where 
thermal stability allows for optimum performance. This may prove 
particularly valuable for use in harsh environments not conducive 
to more traditional thermostatic approaches such as vacuum 
chambers.

Key words

Starsys Research Corporation
5757 Central Avenue, Suite E
Boulder, CO  80301