Analysis of Heat Transfer for an EM-Class Patch Heater with Polyimide Insulation

In this study, the heat transfer for an engineering-model-class patch heater was analyzed by numerical simulations and temperature measurements. The patch heater had a polyimide insulation structure for active thermal control. The accuracy of the numerical model was proved by the experimental data. The patch heater maintained a steady temperature in excess of 200℃ when the resistive area ratio was lower than 50%; further, the maximum power density level was 0.54 W/㎠, in compliance with the standard suggested by the European Space Components Corporation. When the patch heater is appropriately attached to an electric box, the temperature of the subsystem inside an artificial satellite can be adequately controlled within the required temperature range.