Passive Gas-Gap Heat Switches for use in Low-Temperature Cryogenic Systems

[摘要] We present the current state of development in passive gas-gap heat switches. This type of switch does not require a separate heater to activate heat transfer but, instead, relies upon the warming of one end due to an intrinsic step in a thermodynamic cycle to raise a getter above a threshold temperature. Above this temperature sequestered gas is released to couple both sides of the switch. This enhances the thermodynamic efficiency of the system and reduces the complexity of the control system. Various gas mixtures and getter configurations will be presented.

[发布机构] NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, 8800 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt; MD; 20771, United States^1;Bastion Technologies, 7515 Mission Drive, Lanham; MD; 20706, United States^2

[效力级别] 物理学 [学科分类] 材料科学（综合）

[关键词] Cryogenic system;Gas gaps;Heat switches;Low temperatures;Thermodynamic cycle;Thermodynamic efficiency;Threshold temperatures