Search Results

As the complexity of manned spacecraft increases, close consideration of Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) systems design becomes important.

The Water Recovery and Management (WRM) system on Space Station Freedom (SSF) is modeled using SINDA '85/FLUINT to determine its hydraulic operation characteristics, and to verify the design flow and pressure drop parameters. The WRM system consists of the Potable Use water, Waste water, and Fuel Cell loops, as well as the Fluid Management System and experiments, which are not included in this model. This system will be the first closed loop water regeneration system used in space flight. The water is driven in each loop by storage tanks pressurized with cabin air, and is routed through the system to the desired destination. The model considers the flow of water from the storage tanks to the use points and back, as determined by each individual flow diagram for the Permanently Manned Configuration (PMC) phase of SSF.

The design requirements for the water treatment systems aboard the International Space Station (ISS) include and require recycling as much water as possible and to treat the water for intentional contamination (hygiene, urine distillate, condensate, etc.) and unintentional contamination in the form of biofilm and microorganisms. As part of an effort to address the latter issue, a biofilm system was developed by Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to simulate the conditions aboard ISS with respect to materials, flowrates, water conditions, water content, and handling. The tubing, connectors, sensors, and fabricated parts included in the system were chosen for specific attributes as applicable to emulate an orbital water treatment system.