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THERMAL ANALYSIS

modeling of piezoelectric pump for single-phase.

thermal challenges.

SmallSats have become increasingly popular due to their lower costs compared to traditional large satellites. The introduction of CubeSats (Figure 1) helped reduce integration costs by offering a modular standard for microand nanosatellites. As satellites shrink while maintaining similar performance requirements, their power density increases, making thermal management a key challenge. In space, heat can only be removed via radiation. The miniMPL, developed by Demcon kryoz (Figure 2), is a single-phase cooling system for CubeSats, designed with redundancy, miniaturization, and efficient heat transfer in mind.

Figure 1 Satellite categories. Figure 2 Demcon kryoz miniMPL.
Figure 1 Satellite categories. Figure 2 Demcon kryoz miniMPL.

single-phase cooling loop.

To address these thermal issues, a single-phase cooling loop is proposed (Figure 3), with a piezoelectric pump developed with NLR. This pump uses a vibrating diaphragm with inlet and outlet valves to generate flow (Figure 5). Demcon kryoz developed the miniMPL, pump units are placed in series and parallel for redundancy (Figure 4).

Figure 3 Schematic of a single-phase cooling loop. Figure 4 MiniMPL piezoelectric pump block. Figure 5 Pumping cycle of a piezoelectric pump.
Figure 3 Schematic of a single-phase cooling loop. Figure 4 MiniMPL piezoelectric pump block. Figure 5 Pumping cycle of a piezoelectric pump.

Lumped-Element Model.

To understand and optimize the pump’s behavior, a Lumped Element Model (LEM) was developed (Figure 6). This reduced-order model captures the dynamics of the hydraulic channels, piezoelectric diaphragms, and the check valves. It combines numerical simulations and experimental data to quantify the flow resistance, diaphragm stiffness, and valve behavior. The model enables transient analysis of the pump’s operation under varying conditions.

Figure 6 LEM model overview.
Figure 6 LEM model overview.

quantification of the submodels.

The piezoelectric diaphragm model combines empirical stiffness data of the diaphragm (Figure 7.1) and clamping O-rings (Figure 7.2) with its voltage-induced deflection to estimate pressure response. Hydraulic channel resistance is calculated using the Darcy–Weisbach equation and fluid acceleration from Newton’s second law. The valve model integrates experimental hydraulic resistance with a hybrid result (Figure 7.3) that merges valve deflection and simulated resistance.

Figure 7 Valve experiment results.
Figure 7 Valve experiment results.

“model‑based design of piezoelectric pumping for space cooling.”

As satellite systems shrink, precise thermal control becomes increasingly critical. The miniMPL system integrates piezoelectric pumps into a compact single‑phase loop tailored for CubeSats.

Using a Lumped Element Model, the dynamic behaviour of the pump is quantified in detail—from diaphragm stiffness to valve performance—enabling robust design and predictable operation in demanding environments.

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expertise.