BOROVIČKA, M. Termální manažment pro misi CIMER [online]. Brno: Vysoké učení technické v Brně. Fakulta elektrotechniky a komunikačních technologií. 2024.
Matej Borovička's thesis, "Thermal Management for Mission CIMER," analyzes thermal management for a nanosatellite mission aimed at growing cyanobacteria in low Earth orbit. The thesis covers the basics of heat transfer, the space environment, thermal control systems, and thermal modeling of the CubeSat CIMER using Systema Thermica software. The main achievement of the thesis is showing that it's possible to grow cyanobacteria in low Earth orbit with a CubeSat. Borovička designed a thermal model that keeps the temperature within the necessary range for cyanobacteria survival. Initially, the model had temperature variations from -21°C to -4°C, but after improvements, it maintained temperatures between 21°C to 24°C in cold conditions and 22°C to 25°C in hot conditions, suitable for cyanobacteria. Borovička's thesis addresses the complex challenge of thermal management in a nanosatellite for biological experiments in space. The work demonstrates that maintaining the right thermal conditions for cyanobacteria using innovative insulation and heating methods is feasible. This research not only supports the CIMER mission but also provides valuable insights into nanosatellite thermal management. The successful thermal model and its validation are significant advancements for CubeSats in space-based biological research.
The master thesis on the thermal management of a 3U CubeSat mission presents an exemplary and well-structured approach to a complex engineering challenge. It begins with a comprehensive review of small satellites, followed by a general description of the analytical approach to a thermal analysis, which sets a solid theoretical foundation. The background is completed with a clear overview of the passive and active thermal management systems available in space engineering. The thesis then focuses on the practical thermal analysis and management of a 3U CubeSat with a biological payload as an on-board experiment. The student employs Systema Thermica for CubeSat thermal analysis. The thermal model is well prepared and described, with all engineering decisions well addressed and justified. After an initial analysis, the student introduces three design modifications to meet the specific thermal requirements of the payloads. The only area that could be improved is the lack of a comparison of alternative solutions to the required design modifications. However, the stringent requirements are eventually met as supported by the analysis results of the modified design. The thesis is coherent and well-organised, demonstrating the student's comprehensive uderstanding of the subject matter and ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems in an effective manner. This work reflects the student's proficiency and orientation within a software tool as an engineer. I recommend this thesis for defense.
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