Thermal control device and methods utilizing temperature distribution modeling

A thermal control system for controlling temperature of a reaction-vessel, the reaction-vessel having two opposing faces and containing a sample to be analyzed, wherein the system comprises:

• at least one active element that generates a heat-flux, wherein the at least one active element is positioned to direct the heat-flux into at least one face of the reaction-vessel when placed adjacent thereto;
• an electronics module having power electronics that power the at least one active element;
• one or more temperature sensors that are positioned and configured to measure:
• an ambient temperature indicative of the thermal operating environment around the reaction-vessel;
• and/or
• the temperature of a portion of the at least one active element;
• a control unit having a processor, the control unit being communicatively coupled with the one or more temperature sensors and operably coupled with the electronics module, wherein the processor is configured to:
• determine an estimated thermal model of a reaction-vessel temperature distribution across the reaction-vessel using at least a state of the power electronics of the electronics module as an input;
• determine or obtain a temperature command or a function representing a desired temperature distribution profile for the reaction-vessel;
• and
• regulate a reaction-vessel temperature distribution in accordance with the temperature command or the function and the estimated thermal model of the reaction-vessel temperature-distribution so as to achieve a regulated output of the reaction-vessel temperature distribution that is substantially independent of the ambient temperature.