Columbus Orbital Facility Condensing Heat Exchanger and Filter Assembly, 1999

A condensing heat exchanger and filter assembly (CHXFA) has been developed by SECAN / AlliedSignal under a contract from Daimler-Chrysler Aerospace, Dornier, as a part of a European Space Agency program. The CHXFA is part of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) of the Columbus Orbital Facility (COF), the European Laboratory Module of the International Space Station (ISS).

The CHXFA contains a filter to remove particulates from the air stream, and a differential pressure sensor to monitor pressure drop across the filter. Parallel condensing heat exchanger cores reduce the air temperature and absolute humidity level. Efficient air-water separation is achieved by a combination of a hydrophilic coating on the heat exchanger air flow passages and a water removal section. A thermal control valve regulates the temperature of the outlet air. A sensor to detect liquid carryover in the air stream is located downstream of the CHXFA.

This paper provides an overview of the design and development testing performed to validate the performance of the CHXFA for the COF.