Deployable Radiator Panel Shading for Satellite Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing thermal power generated by telecommunications satellites poses challenges in cooling, with conventional methods becoming inefficient due to the weight and complexity of existing solutions, and existing deployable radiators are limited by fixed orientations and additional mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A deployable photovoltaic generator with hinged panels and a yoke that allows the radiator to remain shaded from solar radiation, utilizing a radiator panel integrated with the solar panels and a flexible piping system for fluid and electrical connections, enabling efficient heat rejection while simplifying implementation and reducing mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used with fixed radiators on north and south sides, then the satellite structure is simple, but the radiative area is limited and cooling capacity is insufficient for high thermal power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies deployable radiator panels that can transition from a compact stowed configuration during launch to a fully deployed configuration in orbit. This dynamic transformation allows the radiative area to be significantly increased after deployment, providing sufficient cooling capacity for high thermal power satellites without compromising launch vehicle constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the cooling solution into the deployment dimension, where radiator panels are folded against the satellite body during launch and then deployed outward in orbit. This dimensional transformation from 2D (flat panels against body) to 3D (extended deployable structure) dramatically increases the effective radiative area while maintaining a compact launch profile.
2Temperature
If deployable radiators are added to increase radiative area, then cooling capacity is improved, but mechanical complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the radiator panels with the photovoltaic generator structure, combining two separate functions (cooling and power generation) into a single unified system. The radiator panels are attached to the same support yoke and deployment mechanism as the photovoltaic panels, eliminating the need for separate deployment structures and reducing overall mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support yoke and deployment mechanism serve dual purposes: they support both the photovoltaic panels for power generation and the radiator panels for thermal dissipation. This multi-functional design allows a single mechanical structure to accomplish multiple objectives, thereby reducing the overall device complexity despite the added cooling capability.
3Area of stationary object
If dedicated deployment structure and fastening system are used for radiators, then radiative area is increased, but overall complexity of the satellite increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator panels utilize the same support yoke, hinge mechanisms, and fastening systems as the photovoltaic panels. By merging the structural support and deployment functions, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated radiator deployment structures, thereby increasing radiative area without proportionally increasing overall satellite complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening and deployment mechanisms are designed to universally support both photovoltaic and radiator panels. This universal design allows a single set of mechanical components to perform multiple functions, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the overall satellite architecture while still achieving the required radiative area.
4Temperature
If space is allocated for deployable radiator storage, then cooling function is enabled, but volume available for other systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator panels are integrated with the photovoltaic generator assembly, sharing the same stowed configuration space during launch. Both sets of panels are folded against the satellite body in a similar manner, allowing them to coexist within the same volume constraints without requiring separate dedicated storage spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The same structural envelope and volume space are used to accommodate both photovoltaic panels and radiator panels during the launch phase. This universal space utilization allows the satellite to maintain its cooling function capability while preserving volume for other critical systems by efficiently sharing the available space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution maximizes radiative rejection capacity while minimizing architectural impact, maintaining efficient cooling performance and reducing complexity, allowing the satellite to effectively manage thermal power without compromising solar panel exposure or volume usage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one panel consists of a thermal radiator, its radiative side being oriented oppositely to the side of the photovoltaic panels bearing the photovoltaic collectors when the photovoltaic generator is in the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
at least some of the panels being photovoltaic panels having a photovoltaic-collector side intended to be oriented toward solar radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic generator deployable for a satellite stabilized on three axes. The photovoltaic generator includes an assembly of planar panels articulated with respect to each other, and an attachment arm to the structure of the body of the satellite. In a first or launch position of the photovoltaic generator, the planar panels are folded one over the other. In a second or deployed position of the photovoltaic generator, the planar panels are fully deployed with at least a part of the planar panels being photovoltaic panels. At least one planar panel consists of a thermal radiator, with the radiative face thereof being orientated to be opposite the face of the photovoltaic panels carrying the photovoltaic sensors when the photovoltaic generator is in the deployed position. This radiative face is termed the “shade” face, and the face opposite the panel shaped radiator is termed the “sun” face.