Form 9.B Project Summary

Chron:

970622

Proposal

Number:

18.02-9450

Project Title:

Electrochromic Thermal Control

Container for Payloads

Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)

The development of tunable solar absorptance and

infrared emittance coatings for active temperature

control of thermally sensitive payloads is proposed.

The coatings will be applied to the exterior of

payload containers on satellites and planetray

explorers. Selected coatings facing the sun will

have a tunable solar absorptance and to control

heat gain while coatings facing the ground or night

sky will have a tunable emittance to control radiant

heat loss. The solar absorptance coatings will

switch from transmitting-to-absorbing or

reflecting-to-absorbing depending on whether solar

illumination inside the payload container is

desirable. Absorptance and emittance modulation

are obtained with electrochromic films of

amorphous and crystalline oxides that undergo

reversible optical changes in response to an

electrically driven (typically <5 V) change in

reduction-oxidation state. The Phase I objective is

the development of a demonstration container

incorporating variable solar absorptance and

thermal emittance panels and an evaluation of the

thermal control properties of the container with

emphasis on use in Mars exploration activities. The

objective of the Phase II program would be the

incorporation of the thermal control technology into

a payload container suitable for flight evaluation.

Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)

Thermal control enclosures will find application on

commercial and military satellites, and on planetary

explorers. Terrestrial applications in energy

efficient buildings and greenhouses are also

anticipated.

Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,

Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Stuart F. Cogan

EIC Laboratories, Inc.

111 Downey Street

Norwood , MA 02062

Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

R. David Rauh

EIC Laboratories, Inc.

111 Downey Street

Norwood , MA 02062