Continued Laser Processed Condensing Heat Exchanger Technology Development
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The reliance on non-permanent coatings in Condensing Heat Exchanger (CHX) designs is a significant technical issue to be solved before long-duration spaceflight can occur. Therefore, high reliability CHXs have been identified by the Evolvable Mars Campaign (EMC) as critical technologies needed to move beyond low earth orbit. In continued pursuit of Laser Processed Condensing Heat Exchanger (LP-CHX) development, a sub-scale LP-CHX coupon was designed and constructed. For construction of this coupon, numerous manufacturing methods were developed. These include development of unique laser processing methods of silver finned surfaces of various thicknesses, laser welding of silver, and unique brazing operations. Additionally, microbial growth testing and long duration condensing is reported in this paper. These studies conclude that silver laser processed surfaces significantly reduce microbial growth and increase the number silver ions found in condensate water.
Description
Dr. Sarah Castro-Wallace, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Tanner Hamilton, Wyle Laboratories, Inc.
Dr. Craig Zuhlke, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Dr. Dennis Alexander, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bll Fischer Edare Inc.
ICES103: Thermal and Environmental Control of Exploration Vehicles and Surface Habitats
The 48th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA on 08 July 2018 through 12 July 2018.