New Research on Phase Change Materials for Passive Thermal Management in Microgravity

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs have conducted a study on the effectiveness of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in passive thermal management in microgravity environments. The study, funded by the CRCW grant from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, investigated the thermal performance of different Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) systems filled with a PCM, specifically RT64HC. The researchers found that Neovius TPMS system exhibited the highest potential for passive thermal management in microgravity, followed by Gyroid and Diamond, while Schwarz performed the worst.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study examined the thermal performance of TPMS systems filled with a PCM, RT64HC, in microgravity environments.
  • Neovius TPMS system retained the least PCM, while Schwarz held the most, containing 12% more than Neovius.
  • Neovius exhibited the fastest transient response, followed by Schwarz, Gyroid, and Diamond, with an energy absorption ratio of 1:0.86:0.81:0.67 (Neovius, Diamond, Gyroid, Schwarz).
  • The energy in Neovius was nearly evenly split between PCM and solid structure (0.52:0.48), while in Schwarz, PCM absorbed two-thirds of the energy.
  • Neovius also had the highest effective thermal conductivity, aligning with its superior transient response.
  • Thermal stress testing showed that only approximately 60% of PCM melted in Neovius, while other TPMS exceeded 80%, highlighting the efficacy of Neovius in thermal regulation.
  • The performance of Neovius remained consistent with those observed under isothermal conditions, demonstrating the stable thermal performance of the Neovius system during thermal stress testing.
  • The study concluded that Neovius exhibited the highest potential for passive thermal management in microgravity, followed by Gyroid and Diamond, while Schwarz performed the worst.

Statistics:

  • The percentage of PCM retained in Neovius was 12% less than in Schwarz.
  • The energy absorption ratio of Neovius was 1:0.86:0.81:0.67 (Neovius, Diamond, Gyroid, Schwarz).
  • The energy in Neovius was nearly evenly split between PCM and solid structure (0.52:0.48).
  • Approximately 60% of PCM melted in Neovius during thermal stress testing.
  • The temperature at which the cutoff was imposed during thermal stress testing was not specified.

Sources:

  • Numerical Analysis of Thermal Performance In Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures With Phase Change Material for Passive Thermal Management. Journal of Energy Storage, 2025;134.
  • NewsRx. Study Data from University of Colorado Provide New Insights into Phase Change Materials (Numerical Analysis of Thermal Performance In Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures With Phase Change Material for Passive Thermal Management). Mathematics Week. November 4, 2025; p 2355.