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This paper describes new advances in compressor technology for space-based human health maintenance and countermeasure systems. Specifically, NASA is developing an on-board hyperbaric chamber to treat decompression sickness in crewmembers during long-term space missions. Presently, they do not have pressurization, oxygen delivery, or environmental control subsystems that will operate in zero gravity. Commercial, earth-based compressors typically require gravity-circulated lubrication oil for bearings. An innovative, lubrication-free compressor was designed for space-based hyperbaric chamber pressurization and oxygen delivery subsystems. Compressor components were fabricated and the potential of the new compressor was experimentally validated. The compressor, including power and control equipment weighs 80% less than, occupies 84% less space than, and uses 43% less power than state-of-the-art, commercial, terrestrial systems.

Modern military electronics systems are generating increasingly higher heat loads, necessitating larger capacity thermal management systems (TMSs). These high-capacity TMSs must meet the strict size and weight requirements of these advancing platforms. Commercially available compressor technology can generate sufficient cooling for these systems; however, they are too heavy and expansive. Mainstream Engineering Corporation has developed a compact, lightweight, high-speed screw compressor that can provide a large cooling capacity with a small package envelope. The compressor housing material is light-weight with a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), allowing a wide operating temperature range. The compressor, with a nominal cooling capacity from 20 kW to 60 kW, was tested over a range of saturated suction conditions, pressure ratios, rotational speeds, and oil lubrication conditions.