Electrochromic Radiator Coupon Level Testing and Full Scale Thermal Math Modeling for Use on Altair Lunar LanderIn order to control system and component temperatures, many spacecraft thermal control systems use a radiator coupled with a pumped fluid loop to reject waste heat from the vehicle. Since heat loads and radiation environments can vary considerably according to mission phase, the thermal control system must be able to vary the heat rejection. The ability to "turn down" the heat rejected from the thermal control system is critically important when designing the system.. Electrochromic technology as a radiator coating is being investigated to vary the amount of heat being rejected by a radiator. Coupon level tests were performed to test the feasibility of the technology. Furthermore, thermal math models were developed to better understand the turndown ratios required by full scale radiator architectures to handle the various operation scenarios during a mission profile for Altair Lunar Lander. This paper summarizes results from coupon level tests as well as thermal math models developed to investigate how electrochromics can be used to provide the largest turn down ratio for a radiator. Data from the various design concepts of radiators and their architectures are outlined. Recommendations are made on which electrochromic radiator concept should be carried further for future thermal vacuum testing.
Document ID
20090039990
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Sheth, Rubik (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Bannon, Erika (Paragon Space Development Corp. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Bower, Chad (Paragon Space Development Corp. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2009
Subject Category
Fluid Mechanics And Thermodynamics
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-19174
Meeting Information
Meeting: 40th International Conference on Environmental Systems