Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPMThe German Experimental Space Surveillance and Tracking Radar (GESTRA) is a phased-array radar system for detecting and monitoring space objects (so-called space debris) in low-earth orbit. The system's radar antenna consists of 256 individual channels, each of which comprises a high-performance amplifier for generating radar radiation. During operation, each of these amplifiers generates considerable amounts of waste heat.
As part of the GESTRA Tx2 project, a second transmission unit is being developed and set up as an extension to the existing GESTRA system.
Fraunhofer IPM and Fraunhofer IWU were tasked with developing pulsating heat pipes (PHP) that reliably dissipate the waste heat generated by the high-performance amplifiers. To this end, PHPs were manufactured in two different processes using stainless steel (additively manufactured by laser beam melting) and copper (conventionally manufactured by vacuum brazing). To ensure their stable and effective operation, the PHPs were manufactured with a high density and number of channels for the working fluid.
One of the PHPs thus manufactured was subjected to a test in which a transmitted heat output of up to 750 W was achieved – including for a configuration with the PHP having to work against gravity (i.e. with the hot side facing upwards). The test showed no signs of thermal overload, such as the evaporator area drying out – which proves that even higher transferable heat outputs are possible.
Project partners
- Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR
- Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM
- Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU
Project term (sub-project Fraunhofer IPM and IWU)
- 12/2021 – 11/2023
Project funding
- Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK)
Project executing organization
- German Aerospace Center (DLR)