Preliminary Experimental Investigations on Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) Based Thermal Control Scheme for Detector Thermal Management

Abstract

Sensor used in space application are temperature sensitive and if it is not maintained in the typical temperature range pre-defined range then its effects it accuracy. This systems are called thermal control module, majorly heat pipes are used for maintaining and control the temperature of the sensors but it makes the TCM complex. To simplify the TCM TEC based thermal control module is introduced. Commonly heat pipes are used as thermal control module to maintain the detector temperature. However assembly of het pipe thermal control module is complex. To eliminate the complexity TEC based thermal control module is simple due to its working principle. TEC generates temperature gradient across its surface if power is supplied. Temperature of one side increase and other side decrease. If change the polarity hot side and cold side interchange. Also TEC is solid state active device which eliminates the problem face due to existence of fluid and leakage in space. The objective of this project is to maintain the temperature of visible sensor in the range of 20±2°C which is generating 5 W of heat. The total time of the cycle is 100 minute, out of which for 10 minute visible sensor is ON for 10 minute and for 90 minute sensor is OFF. Simulation and modelling part is already complete by previous student and experiment work is under process. Experiment methodology is decided during the modelling and simulation work. It has three stages and currently in experiment work is carried out following the same methodology with modification to maintain the visible detector in the pre-defined temperature range. Keyword: Thermoelectric Cooler, Simulation, Experiment