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Testing of the Multi-Fluid Evaporator Prototype
Technical Paper
2008-01-2166
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
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English
Abstract
Hamilton Sundstrand has developed a scalable evaporative heat rejection system called the Multi-Fluid Evaporator (MFE). It was designed to support the Orion Crew Module and to support future Constellation missions. The MFE would be used from Earth sea level conditions to the vacuum of space. This system combines the functions of the Space Shuttle flash evaporator and ammonia boiler into a single compact package with improved freeze-up protection. The heat exchanger core is designed so that radial flow of the evaporant provides increasing surface area to keep the back pressure low. The multiple layer construction of the core allows for efficient scale up to the desired heat rejection rate. A full-scale unit uses multiple core sections that, combined with a novel control scheme, manage the risk of freezing the heat exchanger cores.
A four-core MFE prototype was built in 2007. The prototype underwent check-out testing before being installed into NASA's Advanced Thermal Technology Integrated Test. The integrated test ran the MFE through fourteen test conditions, which used a 50/50 mix of propylene glycol and water as the heat transport fluid and deionized water as the evaporant. These tests revealed how the MFE performs with propylene glycol as the coolant instead of water and point toward design changes that can be made to improve the evaporator's performance. This paper discusses the results of the Multi-Fluid Evaporator prototype testing and concludes with the status of present work.
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Quinn, G., Riga, K., and Anderson, M., "Testing of the Multi-Fluid Evaporator Prototype," SAE Technical Paper 2008-01-2166, 2008, https://doi.org/10.4271/2008-01-2166.Also In
References
- Quinn G. O’Connor E. Riga K. Anderson M. Westheimer D. “Testing of the Multi-Fluid Evaporator Engineering Development Unit.” SAE 2007-01-3205 . 37th International Conference on Environmental Systems Chicago July 9 12 2007
- Anderson M. Golliher E. Leimkuehler T. Quinn G. “Preliminary Trade Study of Evaporative Heat Sinks.” SAE 2006-01-2216 . 36th International Conference on Environmental Systems Norfolk July 17-20 2006
- Stambaugh I.C. “Advanced Thermal Technology Integrated Test, Test Requirements Document.” Crew and Thermal Systems Division, Engineering Directorate NASA Johnson Space Center March 15 2007
- Quinn G. O-Connor E. “Assessment of the Multi-Fluid Evaporator Technology.” Space Technology and Applications International Forum - STAIF 2008, Edited by Mohamed S. El-Kenk Albuquerque, NM Feb 10-14 2008 969