Orbital and thermal modelling of a 3U CubeSat equipped with a high-temperature superconducting coil

High-temperature superconductor (HTS) based devices have the potential to be useful technologies for space applications, allowing very high current transfer and magnetic field generation. However, HTS technology requires cryogenic temperatures (<90 K) to operate, and it is not well understood if and how this can be achieved for HTS devices integrated into space vehicles. In this study, the thermal and power performance of a hypothetical 3U CubeSat equipped with an HTS magnetic coil is explored over a range of orbits around the Earth. After eliminating the possibility of passive cooling this close to a planetary body, a cryocooler was deemed necessary to maintain the required temperatures and was included in the simulations. The results show that the best strategy for maintaining the cryogenic operating environment is to maximise the power availability to the cryocooler from solar panels. This approach increases the volume-averaged temperature of the satellite, but the benefits of increased power outweigh the cost of a decreased cryocooler efficiency. This work demonstrates that a 1 T magnetic field can be generated with an HTS electromagnet in a space environment on a small satellite, enabling the use of HTS for space applications such as electric propulsion and energy storage.

Automated summary

HTS technology shows potential for space applications but requires cryogenic temperatures. Maximizing power availability to the cryocooler from solar panels can effectively maintain the low-temperature operating environment of HTS devices.