MULTI-TUBE BOILER AND CONDENSER CAPSULE.

The recommended design of an experimental system to evaluate the performance of an orbital organic multi-tube boiler and condenser capsule is presented. The system will have characteristics identical to an isotope-powered system with the exception of a an electrical heat source is used in place of an isotope heat source and b a nozzle is used in place of a turboalternator unit. The experiment will provide critical zero gravity information on two-phase thermodynamics and hydrodynamics typical of a Rankine space power system. An important aspect of the system is its dual radiator-condensers. One condenser is designed to operate in a 1 g acceleration environment flow upward to guarantee orbital stability. The second is designed to operate at 1.0 psia inlet pressure in order to simulate operation of a high efficiency system and to permit the condenser margin of stability to be parametrically evaluated. Both condensers will be operated consecutively in orbit. The system is composed of a flash-type, electrically heated, parallel tube boiler a choked nozzle for turbine simulation a compact regenerator dual direct radiator-condensers dual condenser pressure regulating tanks state-of-the-art pumping system batteries electrical controls instrumentation telemetry and associated structure.