OTIS SPACEHeatRoute
Switchable thermal connections for spacecraft
We are designing HeatRoute to control the connection between equipment and its cooling or storage path. The goal is strong heat transfer when cooling is needed and greater isolation when that connection would be undesirable.
Intended applications
HeatRoute is intended for equipment whose thermal needs change during a mission. Potential applications include computing payloads, temperature-sensitive subsystems, and controlled connections to thermal storage.
Design scope
Switchable conductance
Change heat transfer between two defined interfaces to provide connected and isolated operating states.
State feedback
Provide feedback so the controller can check whether the commanded thermal connection has been established.
Multiple heat paths
Combine switches into a routing assembly where a payload needs access to more than one cooling or storage path.
Integration requirements
These inputs will determine the design and evaluation scope.
- Required thermal conductance in the connected and isolated states.
- Operating temperatures and the expected temperature differences.
- Switching speed, expected cycle count, and available actuation power.
- Acceptable behavior following a loss of power, control, or actuation.
Development and evaluation
Planned component development
The switching mechanism remains a design decision. Bench tests will establish conductance, isolation, actuation requirements, and repeatability before a component specification is set.
Failure behavior is part of the thermal design. A mission may need a switch to remain connected, remain isolated, or move to a defined state when control is lost.
Related products
Discuss HeatRoute with our team
Share the heat paths you need to control and the required operating and failure states.