A Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) problem concerning the thermal control problem of Multifunctional Structures (MFSs) is here addressed. In particular the use of Multi-Objective algorithms from an optimization tool and Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) is proposed for the identification of the optimal topological distribution of the heating components for a multifunctional test panel, the Advanced Bread Board (ABB).
MFSs are components that conduct many functions within a single piece of hardware, shading the clearly defined boundaries that identify traditional subsystems. Generally speaking, MFSs have already proved to be a disrupting technology, especially in aeronautics and space application fields. The case study exploited in this paper refers to a demonstrator breadboard called ABB. ABB belongs to a particular subset of an extensive family of MFS, that is, of thermo-structural panels with distributed electronics and a health monitoring network. The scope of this work is to speculate upon the ABB concept, by investigating further developments that could improve the design of this class of multifunctional structures. This paper is focused on the application of Multi-Objective Optimization strategies to the selection of thermal hardware layout and control logic for spaceborne multifunctional structures, in order to minimize energy consumption and, to a lesser extent, to ensure a good temperature distribution. In particular the methodology we propose encompasses the combined use of Multi-Objective algorithms and SOM to address the optimization problem.