A Model-based Design of the Water Membrane Evaporator for the Advanced Spacesuit

A spacesuit water membrane evaporator (SWME) based on the hollow fiber membrane bundle is regarded as a promising technology for the advanced thermal management system of the next-generation spacesuit. This paper focuses on theoretical modelling and finite element analysis for the SWME and parametrical optimization. The heat transfer process of the elongated hollow fiber membranes is studied via segment modelling and energy balance method. A comprehensive Finite element analysis is conducted in different dimensions to analyze the influence of fiber tube arrangements and the size of the evaporation chamber. An SWME prototype is also developed. Heat rejection experiments are conducted to verify the theoretical analysis. The work of this paper helps to gain a deep understanding of the heat dissipation process of the hollow fiber membranes and could be referred to for further optimization of the SWME devices.