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 maintenance of temperature in zone where instruments are mounted within preset limits and measurement of rates of change of temperatures. Electric heaters of thermal tubes are switched on or switched off depending on these rates, thus maintaining the tolerable magnitudes of these rates. Prior to switching-on the instruments, total thermal energy released by these instruments and total thermal energy released by electric heaters shall be determined. These magnitudes are compared and electric heaters may be switched off or delivery of thermal energy supplied to area of installation of instruments shall be changed by definite difference. When high limits of temperature are achieved in these zones, electric heaters are switched off till rates in temperature change get below permissible limits. Electric heaters in adjacent zones are switched off similarly but for temperature effect disturbing thermostatting of adjacent zones by temperature low limits. For subsequent interval of joint operation of instruments, temperature is changed with the aid of electric heaters. At change of external heat fluxes acting on panel, modes of switching on/off the electric heaters are changed for new distribution of temperature changes in zones. Operations similar to above-mentioned operations are performed at constant operation of instruments and in case of connection of other instruments. After complete or partial disconnection of instruments, cycle of change of temperatures is performed by the above-mentioned method depending on number of instruments working in zones.

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

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