Abstract
In the present study, the thermal model of the Esrange Balloon Service System is developed. The thermal model is used to accurately predict the temperatures of the electronics within the system in order to optimize the thermal control methods. Passive thermal control methods are investigated in this research to maintain the temperature within the required range for all the environmental conditions. White paint and styrofoam with different thicknesses were analyzed as control hardware. The worst cases for the equipment were identified by selecting the worst environmental conditions along with the extreme power modes of the electronics. The thermal model was developed and transient analysis was performed for the worst cases. The results obtained from the analysis of the thermal model were studied to select the control method that could maintain the temperature in a desired range for longer flight hours. After analyzing the paint and styrofoam with different thicknesses, it was found that styrofoam with a thickness of 50 mm was the most optimum control method satisfying all these conditions. The thermal model was verified by comparing the results with the actual balloon flight data. The temperature data obtained during the flight had close correlation with the results obtained from the thermal model.