ENCOM 2

ENCOM 2 : Enhanced Condenser in Microgravity

Subject

Condensation studies on external surfaces, in-tube condensation, dropwise condensation and falling films condensation.

Start/end dates

November 2011 – November 2014

Description

The project investigates experimentally and numerically condensation in different geometrical configuration. We look at condensation of HFE on curvilinear fins, in-tube condensation at low, medium and high mass fluxes, condensation of sessile drops and falling films condensation.

Flight opportunities

Parabolic flight (May-June 2013).

Results

Condensers in microgravity exhibit lower heat transfer coefficients therefore need more surface area to transfer the same amount of heat. Designing drainage of condensate in microgravity is an extremely important issue as the absence of gravity does not result in bringing the condensate back at the evaporator section.

An experimental set-up has been constructed in order to study convective condensation at low mass fluxes inside differently shaped and different cross section tubes with visualization.