Technical Paper
Modeling and Analysis of the Space Station Freedom Active Thermal Control System Radiators Using SINDA/FLUINT
1992-07-01
921145
The thermal radiators are a major subsystem of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Active Thermal Control System (ATCS). They dissipate to deep space the excess heat transported from the modules and truss mounted equipment. Condensation of the ATCS twophase working fluid occurs directly in small diameter tubes which are bonded to a thin aluminum face sheet in the flow-though radiator panels. The Permanently Manned Capability (PMC) configuration of the Space Station will have a total of 48 radiator panels grouped in 3 replaceable units of 8 panels on each side of the Space Station. Accurate prediction of radiator performance on orbit is important to keep the ATCS from getting too hot (exceeding its capacity) or getting too cold (freezing). For this reason, detailed models of the radiator system are being developed using the SINDA/FLUINT thermal and fluid systems analyzer.