Oral Presentation Only

Identifying the Thermal Parameters and Controlling the Temperature of a High-Altitude Balloon Payload

Authors: Douglas R. Isenberg (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Prescott) , Brian M. Rookaird (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Prescott) , Jacob Weisshaupt (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Prescott) , Jessica Smith (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Prescott) , Brian Winterling (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Prescott)

Abstract

This paper describes the lumped-parameter modeling, identification, and control of the payload temperature inside a high-altitude balloon gondola. Experimental methods for identifying the lumped thermal resistance and thermal capacitance at the launch-altitude and at high-altitude are described. Utilizing the identified values, both a pressureindependent model and a pressure-dependent model are formulated. With knowledge of the thermal resistance, a bang-off control system is sized to keep the payload temperature above a prescribed limit. Both of the closed-loop models are validated with recorded flight data.

Keywords:

How to Cite: Isenberg, D. R. , Rookaird, B. M. , Weisshaupt, J. , Smith, J. & Winterling, B. (2012) “Identifying the Thermal Parameters and Controlling the Temperature of a High-Altitude Balloon Payload”, Academic High Altitude Conference. 2012(1). doi: https://doi.org//ahac.8314