ECLSS heat sink for the NASP
Abstract
This paper presents the technology development, test program, and test results that validated a cryogenic heat exchanger/ejector system concept that uses supercritical hydrogen to cool the heat transport fluids without freezing the heat exchanger (HX) transport fluids. This concept consists of a shell-and-tube HX in combination with an innovative self-regulating recirculation loop to prevent the coolants from freezing. This is accomplished by use of an ejector in the recirculation loop to recirculate warm HX outlet hydrogen and mix it with the cold inlet hydrogen to keep the heat transfer surfaces above the freezing temperature of the coolant. The HX/ejector system was designed and fabricated by Hamilton Standard and was tested by Rockwell International with a variety of heat transport fluids. It provides accurate temperature control with minimum hardware and expendable weight. This HX/ejector system is a light-weight, reliable heat sink concept satisfying requirements for future hypersonic vehicles, such as the National Aerospace Plane (NASP).
- Publication:
-
AIAA, Aerospace Sciences Meeting
- Pub Date:
- October 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990aiaa.meetZ....T
- Keywords:
-
- Cryogenic Cooling;
- Heat Exchangers;
- Heat Sinks;
- National Aerospace Plane Program;
- Performance Tests;
- Coolants;
- Ejectors;
- Heat Transfer;
- Liquid Hydrogen;
- Engineering (General)