Full-Scale Ultrasonic Clothes Washer/Dryer Evaluation Results

NASA's Life Support and Habitation Systems Focus Area prioritizes the development of advanced technologies to support extended human missions in deep space. One critical challenge is the absence of an efficient, integrated washer-dryer system capable of functioning in lunar, Martian, and microgravity environments. Conventional thermal drying methods require significant energy to evaporate water, whereas the direct-contact ultrasonic drying approach explored in this study provides a more energy-efficient alternative. By utilizing piezoelectric transducers, this method generates high-frequency vibrations at the micron scale, mechanically displacing water from fabric and reducing dependence on evaporation. This enhances both energy efficiency and drying speed across various textiles.

Additionally, ultrasonic cleaning was investigated as a potential washing technique, eliminating the gyroscopic instability, vibration, and lint production commonly associated with traditional washing methods. The resulting system is compact, highly water- and energy-efficient, and well-suited for space missions. This paper presents the performance evaluation of a full-scale ultrasonic garment washer and dryer, examining its sequential washing and drying capabilities and its potential for disinfection. The findings contribute to the development of the first space-compatible laundry system, enabling sustainable human habitation aboard the ISS and future lunar and Martian missions.