Phase Change Material for Temperature Control of Imager or Sounder on GOES Type Satellites in GEO

Abstract

This paper uses phase change material (PCM) in the scan and telescope cavities of an imager or sounder on satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) to maintain the telescope temperature stable. When solar flux entering the scan cavity exceeds the heat radiation from the scan cavity to space through the aperture and MI blankets, the PCM stores the heat at a constant temperature. When solar flux entering the scan cavity is less than the heat radiation from the scan cavity to space through the aperture and MI blankets, the PCM releases heat at a constant temperature. Paraffin PCM is compact and meets the temperature range required for scan and telescope cavities. It has no moving parts or bimetallic springs. It reduces heater power required to make up the heat lost by radiation to space through the aperture and MLI blankets. It is an attractive thermal control option to a radiator with a louver and a sunshade.