Optical Smart Radiator Device (SRD) for Solar Applications
Application ID: 101111
The "Smart Radiator Device," a multilayer structure, has the capability to control thermal emissivity at different temperatures. This multilayer structure is lightweight thus finds its application in spacecraft mission. The thermochromic vanadium oxide (VO2) material is the heart of this device. This material changes optical properties drastically at the phase transition temperature TC= 340K. When T<TC, VO2 is in an insulating state and transparent to infrared (IR) radiation. When T >TC, the VO2 exhibits metallic properties and becomes IR reflecting.
In this model, the reflection coefficient is observed for SRD structure for 300K and 373K temperatures. Change in thermal emissivity is computed with the help of a mathematical relationship with the reflection coefficient.
This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products:
however, additional products may be required to completely define and model it. Furthermore, this example may also be defined and modeled using components from the following product combinations:
The combination of COMSOL® products required to model your application depends on several factors and may include boundary conditions, material properties, physics interfaces, and part libraries. Particular functionality may be common to several products. To determine the right combination of products for your modeling needs, review the Specification Chart and make use of a free evaluation license. The COMSOL Sales and Support teams are available for answering any questions you may have regarding this.