METHOD OF TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF THERMAL TUBES WITH ELECTRIC HEATERS ON SPACECRAFT INSTRUMENT PANELS Russian patent published in 2008 - IPC B64G1/50 

FIELD: spacecraft temperature control systems.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method consists in equalizing the rates of change of temperatures in instrument panel zones at the moment of action of external heat fluxes with the instruments switched off. Temperature is maintained at constant level within permissible range by switching on/off the electric heaters. Prior to simultaneous switching-on of instruments at intervals of their joint operation, total thermal energy released by these instruments and electric heaters located in zones of these instruments is determined. Depending on difference in energy, electric heaters are either switched-off or heat delivered by them is reduced. When instruments are disconnected and temperature high limit is achieved, electric heaters of adjacent zones are switched-off, thus ensuring thermostatting of adjacent zones by low limit temperatures. Similar actions are carried out for subsequent intervals of simultaneous operation of instruments and at constant operation of instruments. In case of alternate switching-on of instruments simultaneously with constantly operating instruments, magnitude of thermal energy released by first ones is determined and heat from electric heaters is delivered to them at intervals of their switching-off. When temperature high limit is achieved, electric heaters are switched-off at intermediate intervals of instrument operation; electric heaters of instruments found in adjacent zones may be switched-off if necessary. Thermostatting of these zones is ensured.

EFFECT: increased service life of spacecraft due to avoidance of adverse cyclic action of temperatures.

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