Modular Radiator Panels for Satellite Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite communication systems face challenges in managing heat generated by digital telecommunications payloads, which can lead to unacceptable temperature rises, especially in space environments where heat dissipation is more difficult than on Earth, requiring innovative solutions to maintain component operation within acceptable temperature ranges while minimizing mass and size.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a satellite design that utilizes a pair of oppositely-facing radiator panels with a third radiator panel extending between them, allowing for efficient heat transfer and radiation of heat from both payload and bus components, enabling modular assembly and testing before integration, and accommodating different thermal zones for various components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If digital telecommunications payloads are embedded in satellites, then reconfigurable switching and beamforming flexibility are improved, but heat generation increases causing temperature to rise to unacceptable levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfigurable switching and beamforming flexibilityVSAvoidsatellite component temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite is divided into modular payload units, each with its own dedicated radiator panel. This segmentation allows heat from digital telecommunications components to be isolated and radiated independently, preventing heat accumulation while maintaining reconfigurable switching and beamforming capabilities in each module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Dedicated radiator panels are introduced as intermediary thermal management components between heat-generating digital payload components and the satellite structure. These radiator panels serve as thermal intermediaries that efficiently conduct and radiate heat away from sensitive electronic components, enabling high-flexibility digital payloads to operate without excessive temperature rise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If substantial digital payload is accommodated, then communication capabilities are improved, but mass and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedigital payload capabilityVSAvoidsatellite mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite employs modular payload units that can be independently designed, tested, and integrated. Each module contains digital telecommunications components and dedicated radiator panels, allowing for optimized mass distribution and enabling the accommodation of substantial digital payload capability while minimizing overall satellite mass through efficient modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If heat is not adequately managed, then component operation is maintained, but temperature rises to unacceptable levels affecting operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent operationVSAvoidcomponent temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Each payload module is equipped with its own dedicated radiator panel that passively radiates heat from digital telecommunications components into space. This self-service thermal management approach ensures each module independently maintains acceptable operating temperatures without requiring complex active cooling systems, thereby ensuring reliable component operation while minimizing mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration effectively manages heat dissipation from both payload and bus components, maintaining component temperatures within acceptable limits, facilitating efficient satellite operation while optimizing mass and size considerations.

Implementation Method 1

heat-generating components of a satellite are mounted on three or more radiator panels... radiated by the pair of radiator panels... radiated by the third radiator panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12017806B2Satellite with modular radiator panels

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 LANTERIS SPACE LLC

AI summary

A satellite includes a first radiator panel, a second radiator panel, a space defined between the first radiator panel and the second radiator panel, and one or more first heat-generating components located in the space. Each of the first heat-generating components is attached to at least one of the first or second radiator panels. The satellite further includes a third radiator panel extending from the space and one or more second heat-generating components located in the space, each of the second heat-generating components is attached to the third radiator panel.