Power consumption of a Philberth thermal probe in ice sheet exploration

Abstract As a useful equipment for ice sheet exploration, many Philberth thermal probe designs have been proposed for use on Earth or extraterrestrial planets. The classic method for calculating the power consumption of a Philberth thermal probe can be modified by assuming a reasonable thermal head efficiency. The influence of various parameters on the critical refreezing length and the power consumption of the thermal head and lateral heater are evaluated using the improved method. The power consumption of the thermal probe increases as the diameter, length, and penetration rate increase and decreases as the ice temperature increases. The efficiency of the thermal head has no influence on the total power consumption of the thermal probe. There exists an optimal diameter and efficiency of thermal head. While drilling an ice sheet, the power consumption of the lateral heater reduces gradually, and thus, moving the excess power of the lateral heater to the thermal head is a good method of increasing the penetration rate. Moreover, it is also suggested that the maximum working voltage of the thermal head should be as high as possible, and the lateral body of the thermal probe should be heated in sections.