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In the scope of the COLUMBUS-preparatory support technology programme, funded and coordinated by the European Space Agency (ESA/ESTEC), critical components of a mechanically pumped two-phase heat transport system, i.e. evaporator cold plate, evaporative heat exchanger, vapour quality sensors, condenser, accumulator, gas trap and control system, have been identified and developed by a number of European companies under Dornier-subcontract. A comprehensive test programme, focussed on the investigation of critical components performance characteristics and limits, has generally demonstrated very satisfactory and partially even excellent results. However, experience gained during test performance as well as overall test evaluation have concluded in several recommendations for further analysis, improving modifications and a continuation of testing aimed at an enhancement of European two-phase technology know-how.

Under the COLUMBUS Preparatory Support Technology Programme, the European Space Agency has coordinated the development of critical components for a European pumped two-phase heat transport system. The critical components are Evaporator Cold Plate (Dornier GmbH), Evaporative Heat Exchanger (Aeritalia) being an interface component to an external loop, Heat Rejection Interfaces/Condensers (Fokker), active Accumulator/Control Reservoir (British Aerospace) and Vapour Quality Sensors (Dornier GmbH and NLR). They have been incorporated into a flexible and fully instrumented test bed at BAe. The test bed is designed to evaluate the performance of a complete representative loop with heat loads up to 15 kW and primary loop lengths up to 40 metres. It includes an implementation of algorithms developed at Fokker and NLR for the control of evaporator inlet temperature conditions, vapour temperature setpoint and vapour quality.