Temperature control performance of a spaceborne PTC heating system: Dynamic modeling and parametric analysis

PTC materials have the advantage of combining heating, temperature measurement and temperature control, and their simplicity, light weight and high reliability are expected to replace complex temperature control systems in space applications to cope with various thermal disturbances in the space environment. However, there have been few studies on its temperature control effect and temperature control criteria in dynamic thermal environments. Therefore, this study employs the method of combining theoretical derivation and numerical simulation to develop a heat transfer model and investigate its temperature control performance. It is discovered that its temperature control response model has first-order system response characteristics and that parametric analysis is performed. It is discovered that material property parameters, design parameters, and ambient temperature all have a significant impact on its temperature control accuracy and response speed, with material property parameters and ambient temperature being the most important factors determining its temperature control effect. Furthermore, the results show that certain parameters can not only improve temperature control accuracy but also decrease response time. In addition, through parametric analysis, the temperature control laws are summarized, providing a theoretical basis for the regulation and optimization of material properties and the application of PTC thermal control in space.

Automated summary

PTC materials have the potential to replace complex temperature control systems in space applications due to their ability to combine heating, temperature measurement, and temperature control. This study investigates the temperature control effect and criteria of PTC materials in dynamic thermal environments using theoretical derivation and numerical simulation methods. The research reveals that material property parameters and ambient temperature significantly influence the temperature control accuracy and response speed. The findings also indicate that certain parameters can improve both the control accuracy and the response time. The study provides temperature control laws and theoretical foundations for the regulation and optimization of material properties and the use of PTC thermal control in space applications.