초록 ▼

A thermal radiator system is described for use on an outer space vehicle, which must survive a long period of nonuse and then radiate large amounts of heat for a limited period of time. The radiator includes groups of radiator panels that are pivotally connected in tandem, so that they can be moved

A thermal radiator system is described for use on an outer space vehicle, which must survive a long period of nonuse and then radiate large amounts of heat for a limited period of time. The radiator includes groups of radiator panels that are pivotally connected in tandem, so that they can be moved to deployed configuration wherein the panels lie largely coplanar, and to a stowed configuration wherein the panels lie in a stack to resist micrometeorite damage. The panels are mounted on a boom which separates a hot power source from a payload. While the panels are stowed, warm fluid passes through their arteries to keep them warm enough to maintain the coolant in a liquid state and avoid embrittlement of material. The panels can be stored in a largely cylindrical shell, with panels progressively further from the boom being of progressively shorter length.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for radiating heat from a heat-generating power source on an orbiting outer space vehicle, wherein the power source is established in a very active state to generate considerable heat only a fraction of the time the vehicle is in orbit, and a minimally active state to generate much less hea

A method for radiating heat from a heat-generating power source on an orbiting outer space vehicle, wherein the power source is established in a very active state to generate considerable heat only a fraction of the time the vehicle is in orbit, and a minimally active state to generate much less heat part of the time the vehicle is in orbit, comprising: maintaining said vehicle in orbit with said power source in said minimally active state, and then establishing said power source in said very active state; establishing a plurality of radiator panels that are each coupled to said power source to receive heat therefrom and that each has a length and ends spaced by said length, with pairs of said panels being pivotally connected at their ends; maintaining said plurality of panels in a stowed configuration when said power source is in said minimally active state, wherein in said stowed configuration said panels are angled about 0°at said joints and said panels lie in substantially parallel planes and adjacent to one another in a stack, and establishing said plurality of panels in a deployed configuration substantially only when said power source is in said very active state, wherein in said deployed configuration said panels are angled at least about 90°at said joints.