Other Research Interests
Pumped Two-Phase Quality Sensor
Pumped two-phase (P2P) cooling systems are a commonly used thermal architecture that offers significant performance benefits over single-phase systems such as higher heat transfer coefficients and reduced fluid flow rates. A major challenge seen by P2P systems is the desire for optimal steady-state operation despite transient changes in heat load, which can be mitigated by sensing the quality of the two-phase flow present in the system. ACT has developed a novel, capacitance-based P2P quality sensor capable of registering across a quality range of 0 to 1 with a high degree of accuracy. The developed sensor solution is non-invasive as it allows the fluid to flow through without additional pressure drops or other flow disturbances. It is a simple and robust design, which is inexpensive and scalable to various tube diameters and working fluids.
Advanced P2P Evaporator
Pumped Two-Phase (P2P) systems are known for their ability to transport high heat loads by evaporating and condensing a coolant that flows through channels adjacent to the heat source. These systems rely on flow boiling, which has a limitation on the maximum heat flux achieved and can be affected by flow instabilities. Capillary systems, another thermal architecture, also rely on evaporation but from wicked structures rather than flow channels. In such devices, they can achieve heat fluxes as high as 1000W/cm² but are limited by the liquid supply to the wick. ACT’s Advanced P2P Evaporator, referred to as the Hybrid Evaporator, merges the benefits of mechanically pumped systems with those related to capillary evaporation from wicked structures. This combination results in a thermal management system capable of addressing high heat fluxes and transporting high heat loads, thereby outperforming existing two-phase systems. Recently, ACT has demonstrated significant size, weight, and power (SWaP) reduction when switching from a channel-cooled P2P system to a Hybrid P2P system.
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Gas Temperature Measurements Through Broadband Femtosecond Nitric Oxide Laser-Induced Fluorescence
Advanced Cooling Technologies (ACT), in collaboration with Texas A&M University, has helped demonstrate a novel method for measuring gas temperature using broadband femtosecond (fs) laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of nitric oxide (NO). This non-intrusive technique, proven effective in both controlled heating and plasma environments, uses the LIF signal ratio at 225 nm and 227 nm to accurately determine gas temperature, even under variable and unknown conditions. The fs laser approach offers improved spatial resolution, robustness to pressure variations, and high sensitivity—making it a powerful diagnostic tool for studying low-temperature plasmas and validating fluid and chemical models. This advancement reflects ACT’s continued commitment to enabling innovation in plasma diagnostics and thermal technologies.
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