PCM Microbolometer Housing for Satellite Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uncooled microbolometers in small satellites like CubeSats require frequent calibration due to sensitivity to temperature changes, leading to significant 'dead time' during which they cannot be used for measurements.
Innovation Solution
A housing assembly containing a phase change material (PCM) within a container that encloses the microbolometer, providing passive temperature stabilization by absorbing heat and maintaining a stable temperature around its phase change point, supplemented with heat conducting materials and heating elements to manage temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uncooled microbolometers are used for thermal infrared measurements, then device complexity and power consumption are reduced, but temperature stability deteriorates leading to frequent calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change material (PCM) that undergoes phase transition at a specific temperature to stabilize the microbolometer temperature. The PCM absorbs excess heat during phase change, maintaining temperature stability without requiring active cooling systems, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified device design and temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCM acts as an intermediary thermal buffer between the microbolometer and the external environment. It mediates temperature fluctuations by absorbing and releasing heat during phase transitions, protecting the microbolometer from temperature variations while maintaining system simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If frequent calibration cycles are performed to maintain measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased dead time
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing PCM-based temperature stabilization, the microbolometer maintains consistent operating temperature, reducing drift and the frequency of required calibration cycles. This allows the system to remain in measurement mode longer, improving productivity while maintaining precision through less frequent but still effective calibration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If PCM is added to the housing assembly for temperature stabilization, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCM is integrated into the housing assembly as a passive temperature stabilization mechanism. By selecting PCM with appropriate phase change temperatures and integrating it directly into the housing structure, the system achieves temperature stability without adding complex active control systems, sensors, or power consumption requirements.
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
Reduces the need for frequent calibration cycles, minimizing 'dead time' and enhancing the operational efficiency of thermal imaging equipment in small satellites.
Implementation Method 1
the PCM can be provided so as to allow for very good heat exchange with the microbolometer. Temperature fluctuations of the microbolometer can then be effectively prevented by the buffer effect of the PCM, which can passively absorb heat and stabilize temperatures around its melting point (i.e., phase change point, phase transition point).
Implementation Method 2
The heat conducting material may be attached on an inner wall portion of the container. For example, the heat conducting material may be arranged to be sandwiched between the microbolometer and the inner wall of the container when the container at least partially encloses the microbolometer. The heat conducting material may for example be arranged on all four sides of the microbolometer, for improving heat transfer between the microbolometer and the container, and eventually, the PCM.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing assembly for housing a microbolometer within a satellite includes a container for at least partially enclosing the microbolometer, so as to exchange heat with the microbolometer, and a phase change material. The container comprises a cavity within a wall portion of the container. The cavity contains the phase change material. The disclosure further relates to a microbolometer assembly comprising the housing assembly, and to a satellite comprising the housing assembly and/or the microbolometer assembly.