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Space Evaporator Absorber Radiator (SEAR) for Thermal Storage on Manned SpacecraftFuture manned exploration spacecraft will need to operate in challenging thermal environments. State-of-the-art technology for active thermal control relies on sublimating water ice and venting the vapor overboard in very hot environments, and or heavy phase change material heat exchangers for thermal storage. These approaches can lead to large loss of water and a significant mass penalties for the spacecraft. This paper describes an innovative thermal control system that uses a Space Evaporator Absorber Radiator (SEAR) to control spacecraft temperatures in highly variable environments without venting water. SEAR uses heat pumping and energy storage by LiCl/water absorption to enable effective cooling during hot periods and regeneration during cool periods. The LiCl absorber technology has the potential to absorb over 800 kJ per kg of system mass, compared to phase change heat sink systems that typically achieve approx. 50 kJ/kg. This paper describes analysis models to predict performance and optimize the size of the SEAR system, estimated size and mass of key components, and an assessment of potential mass savings compared with alternative thermal management approaches. We also describe a concept design for an ISS test package to demonstrate operation of a subscale system in zero gravity.
Document ID
20150003490
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Izenson, Michael G.
(Creare, Inc. Hanover, NH, United States)
Chen, Weibo
(Creare, Inc. Hanover, NH, United States)
Chepko, Ariane
(Creare, Inc. Hanover, NH, United States)
Bue, Grant
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Quinn, Gregory
(UTC Aerospace Systems Windsor Locks, CT, United States)
Date Acquired
March 24, 2015
Publication Date
July 12, 2015
Subject Category
Fluid Mechanics And Thermodynamics
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-33071
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems
Location: Bellevue, WA
Country: United States
Start Date: July 12, 2015
End Date: July 15, 2015
Sponsors: Texas Tech Univ.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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