Condeser Heat Exchanger for Space Application Analysis and Experimental Tests

A theoretical study on the performance of a Condenser and Heat Exchanger (CHX) has been performed by means of analytical equations and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. The results indicate that the component is in fulfillment of the design requirements. The CHX, previously manufactured with Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology by Ellena spa, has been tested with Computed Tomography (CT) for visualization of internal structures and internal surface roughness. The CT service, offered by Labormet Due srl, has shown not significant deviations from the original Computer Aided Design (CAD) data. Finally, an experimental validation has been conducted with the collaboration of Thales Alenia Space.