Technical Research on ISS Russian Segment

CEMEX Experiment

Experiment CEMEX forms part of the scientific research program performed by Brazilian Astronaut Marcos C. Pontes (BSA) on the Russian Segment of the ISS in the frame of CENTENARIO Brazilian Soyuz Mission Project. The Brazilian Space Agency is a customer of the preparation and implementation of the research program.

Objective:

Performance of thermodynamic analysis and assessment of the technical characteristics of the capillary evaporator. Assessment of proposed technologies of evaporators for future application in space conditions.

Task:

Capillary evaporator test performance aboard the ISS RS.

Science Hardware Used:

Kit with CEM equipment consisting of:

CPL block;
Memory map CEM* (in cover).

Circuit diagram of CPL block

The experimental equipment is a monoblock and consists of a capillary evaporator configured as a circuit (CPL1) and an electronic control unit.
The capillary evaporator design uses a two-phase heat transfer loop, which is used to support satellite thermal control. The loop consists of an evaporator, cooler and reservoir connected by pipes. The heat generated in the evaporator is transferred by working fluid to the cooler section. The reservoir supports the temperature inside the loop and the required reserves of working fluid. The fans provide cooling of the capacitor.
The electronic unit consists of a computer with a single-board microprocessor for data acquisition and regulation of the capillary evaporator power, as well as for setting an operating temperature in the reservoir. Water in amount of 20 ml will be used as a coolant.