Thermal Control of Electronics for Nuclear Robots via Phase Change Materials

Abstract

An effective thermal control is highly desired due to the increased heat generated from tight integration of electrical components. It is more difficult when the electronics are operating in high temperature, narrow space and strong nuclear radiation. In this paper, motor drivers of nuclear robots were taken as a case to study the thermal control methods and their effects on keeping the safe operation of electronics. Phase change materials (PCM) was found could lower the temperature by 20 oC and stabilize below 70 oC for more than 78 min, which was 14 times longer than non-protective mode. Besides, the effect of heat sink on thermal conductivity enhancement was discussed.