Advancements in water vapor electrolysis technologyThe paper describes a technology development program whose goal is to develop water vapor electrolysis (WVE) hardware that can be used selectively as localized topping capability in areas of high metabolic activity without oversizing the central air revitalization system on long-duration manned space missions. The WVE will be used primarily to generate O2 for the crew cabin but also to provide partial humidity control by removing water vapor from the cabin atmosphere. The electrochemically based WVE interfaces with cabin air which is controlled in the following ranges: dry bulb temperature of 292 to 300 K; dew point temperature of 278 to 289 K; relative humidity of 25 to 75 percent; and pressure of 101 + or - 1.4 kPa. Design requirements, construction details, and results for both single-cell and multicell module testing are presented, and the preliminary sizing of a multiperson subsystem is discussed.
Document ID
19890040470
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Chullen, Cinda (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Heppner, Dennis B. (NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Sudar, Martin (Life Systems, Inc. Cleveland, OH, United States)