The purpose of the AMC project (Additive Manufacturing for Cubesats) is to develop innovative thermal exchange systems based on Pulsating Heat Pipes, integrated into the mechanical structure of a CubeSat, a modern class of small satellites. CubeSats require effective thermal control to limit areas of high heat intensity to prevent damage to electronics that could compromise the entire mission.
In space, heat management is one of the most critical aspects due to the absence of air and the use of increasingly compact platforms, which are technologically complex. Consequently, power densities are reaching levels that do not allow the use of traditional devices, necessitating the development of innovative systems. Heat Pipes are passive devices that utilize fluid phase change and can transport heat more efficiently than metals. Specifically, pulsating heat pipes exploit microfluidics and temperature gradients to distribute heat from a hot area to a cold area, and they do not require active components like pumps.
Additive manufacturing allows for the creation of systems with multiple integrated functions; for example, in AMC, the pulsating heat pipe will have both thermal and structural functions, offering significant advantages in terms of weight and volume.
The technology developed in AMC can also be used for terrestrial applications that require simple and efficient systems for heat dissipation.
In the AMC project, Argotec serves as the Lead Partner, handling the phases of requirement definition, design, and AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Testing). Prima Industrie, on the other hand, will be responsible for the production of samples and the Pulsating Heat Pipe (and its characterization) through Additive Manufacturing.
