Kalsi Engineering (KEI) is proud to announce the successful completion of our Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project (Miniature passive thermal control valve for mixing or splitting single-phase fluid), funded by NASA. Under this project, KEI developed a patented three-way miniature passive thermal control valve (TCV). These TCVs are used in mechanically pumped single-phase fluid loop (MPFL) thermal systems of rovers. NASA has employed such TCVs in the fluid loops of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), Mars Pathfinder (MPF), and Mars Exploration Rovers (MER).
The demanding requirements and higher cooling needs of the space missions have led to increased vehicle power and system mass. This created a need for an innovative passive thermal control valve with reduced mass/volume and higher flow capacity compared to existing TCVs.
The KEI TCV addresses this need by passively actuating and regulating the fluid flow direction in response to change in the system fluid’s temperature. It functions as either a mixing or a splitting valve, offering improved controllability, increased flow rate, and enhanced operating capability within a tighter temperature control range. Additionally, it significantly reduces weight and size compared to current state-of-the-art TCVs.
KEI successfully conducted a series of function tests and cycle tests on the thermal control valve, meeting the technical goals/specifications set by NASA. Figure 1 shows a prototype of the Kalsi thermal control valve. The TCV technology has been patented by KEI (US Patent Number 11,989,043 B2).
Key Specifications of the Kalsi TCV:
- The TCV operates autonomously without external power.
- The temperature control range is 10°C with a pre-adjustable setpoint control anywhere between -55°C to 90°C.
- The operating temperature range is -55°C to 90°C.
- The pressure drop through the valve is less than 1.5 psi at a flow rate of 1.5 L/min (0.40 gpm) of working fluid FC-72.
- The maximum operating pressure is 200 psia.
- The valve weight is 2.6 lbs.
- The maximum flow through a closed port is below 1%.
By enhancing the performance and reducing the mass and volume of the thermal control valves, KEI is contributing to the success of NASA’s space missions. Our innovative TCVs are poised to become critical components in the thermal management systems of future space exploration vehicles.
For more information on our advanced thermal control valve and other engineering solutions and services, contact our highly experienced engineering staff.
