Performance Validation and Optimization of the Columbus Orbital Facility Condensing Heat Exchanger and Filter Assembly

A condensing heat exchanger and filter assembly (CHXFA) has been developed by SECAN/AlliedSignal under a contract from Daimler-Benz Aerospace, Dornier, as 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).

This paper gives an overview of the component and assembly level testing performed to validate the CHXFA, and describes some of the design features incorporated to meet the challenging requirements of the Columbus Orbital Facility.