Study on passive-active cooperative thermal control technology for space manipulator end effectors: Design, simulation, testing, and on-orbit validation

摘要

The end effectors of space robotic arms play a crucial role in space missions, necessitating advanced thermal management to ensure reliable performance in the extreme space environment. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the thermal design, simulation, testing, and orbital validation of a space manipulator's end effector. A dual heat dissipation strategy, utilizing both exposed surface and dedicated heat sinks, is employed to effectively manage thermal loads. Passive and active thermal control mechanisms, including Multi-Layer Insulation and precision heating zones, work in tandem to maintain temperature uniformity across key components. Notably, the study emphasizes the strict thermal uniformity of the ball screw, which is critical for the end effector's operational performance. Transient thermal simulations confirm that critical components remain within specified temperature limits under diverse space conditions. Experimental results show excellent correlation with simulations, with temperature deviations consistently below 1.8 °C. Orbital testing further substantiates the system's effectiveness, as the end effector maintained stable temperatures throughout the mission. Future research should focus on improving the thermal response speed and stability, as well as developing adaptive thermal management systems to address the dynamic demands of space operations.