Reusable high temperature thermal protection system

Abstract

A reusable phase change material (PCM) heat shield is disclosed. The heat shield comprises: a thermally conductive casing, PCM, thermally conductive open cell foam, and heat pipes. The heat flows through the casing and open cell foam into the PCM, heating it up. The PCM changes phase twice, from solid to liquid. During the solid liquid phase change, heat pipes begin to draw heat away from the PCM to a secondary location that re-radiates the heat away. The open cell foam serves to help channel hear into the PCM. In one embodiment, the PCM heat shield can be used for thermal protection of an atmospheric entry vehicle (ARV). In another, the PCM heat shield may be applied to an aircraft engine to transfer extracted heat to preheat incoming air. In another, the PCM heat shield is integrated into the structure of a spacecraft, and used to both carry loads and protect against high temperatures.

1 . A heat shield comprises:
 a thermally conductive casing;   a phase change material (PCM) coupled to the casing;   thermally conductive open cell foam coupled to the PCM; and   a plurality of heat pipes coupled to the foam, wherein the heat flows through the casing and open cell foam into the PCM, wherein the PCM changes phase twice, from solid to liquid, during the solid liquid phase change the heat pipes begin to draw heat away from the PCM to a secondary location that re-radiates the heat.