Abstract Satellite developers have the complex task of designing spacecraft thermal management systems that must remain stable despite extremely dynamic operating environments. Developing spacecraft thermal management systems that depend on predictable cryocooler performance is one of the most challenging aspects of space thermal system design. Developers must often rely on very sparse cryocooler performance data when conducting their system-level tradeoffs. While significant data is becoming available on newly emerging coolers, most experimentation is performed at or near a cooler’s design point operation based on somewhat generic or dynamic spacecraft requirements. This makes it extremely difficult to examine all possible spacecraft operating scenarios and their effects on cryocooler performance. Off-design point performance mapping is also often limited by time constraints, either imposed by system or follow-on cooler development schedules. However, in characterizing cryocoolers at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), considerable off-nominal performance mapping has allowed empirical modeling of quantifiable parametric relationships. These models tie together the interrelationships between key cryocooler parameters, both operational and environmental, forming precise performance prediction methods useful over most potential operating ranges. This paper presents an approach to developing performance prediction models for the coolers undergoing characterization and evaluation at AFRL’s Cryocooler Characterization Laboratory (CCL). Cooler concepts under investigation include various Stirling cycle, pulse tube, and reverse Brayton cycle machines. Particular emphasis is placed on better quantifying the relationship of heat rejection temperature to both independent and dependent cryocooler control parameters. These models may become extremely useful design tools that could assist system developers in selecting the appropriate cooler for their operational and mission needs. It will also aid spacecraft developers in adequately compensating for cooler parametric sensitivities and time dependent performance drift in their satellite thermal management designs.
Heat Rejection Effects on Cryocooler Performance Prediction
Cryocoolers 10 ; 723-732
2002-01-01
10 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
Heat Rejection Effects on Cryocooler Performance Prediction
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