METHOD TO CONTROL SPACECRAFT THERMAL CONTROL SYSTEM QUALITY Russian patent published in 2009 - IPC B64G1/50 

FIELD: space engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to space engineering, particularly to thermal control systems (TCS), primarily, of telecommunication satellites. Proposed method comprises periodic control over availability of required amount of heat carrier circulated in TCS fluid circuit exercised by determining actual volume of tight gas chamber of hydraulic accumulator filled partially with two-phase working fluid. Aforesaid chamber is separated by bellows with bottom from hydraulic accumulator fluid chamber communicated with TCS fluid circuit. It comprises also measuring temperature of heat carrier circulating in aforesaid circuit and, prior to determining actual volume of hydraulic accumulator gas chamber, the chamber temperature and heat carrier pressure are determined at pressure pickup locations. Proceeding from measurements made, actual volume of gas chamber is determined from the formula that allows for parametres taken in production of hydraulic accumulator. There parametres are represented by minimum and maximum possible volumes of gas chambers, as well as minimum tolerable pressure differences between gas and fluid chambers of hydraulic accumulator determined in measuring aforesaid minimum and maximum possible volumes of gas chamber (when bellows if completely expanded, or compressed). Aforesaid formula comprises as well TCS fluid path drag, working fluid saturated vapor elasticity (as specified in specs), measured heat carrier pressure at pickup location and hydrostatic component of pressure (in case tests are carried out on ground).

EFFECT: compact design, normal thermal control.

2 dwg