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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
A key technology required for deep space, long-duration human exploration missions is the CO2 removal as part of life support and environmental control. Current state-of-the-art, solid sorbent-based CO2 removal technology has reliability and capability gaps demanding alternative solutions for future exploration missions. A promising CO2 removal technology under consideration is the CO2 deposition method that creates cold surfaces and cools cabin air to such low temperatures that CO2 is deposited onto the surface. However, this process results in high power consumption. As Mars missions provide a capability to view deep space at environmental temperature of ~4K, utilizing radiators for heat rejection is emerging as an opportunity to enable CO2 deposition. The goal of the proposed research is to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative thermal radiator, Variable Conductance Radiator (VCR), that can modulate its heat rejection and leverage cold sink conditions of deep space to deposit CO2 from a gas stream as part of the spacecraft air revitalization system. The research plan involves specific objectives of: (i) Design, modeling, and optimization of the VCR; (ii) Development of a functional prototypical VCR system; (iii) Experimental characterization of the VCR and validation of the modeling; and (iv) Predictions of performance and scalability of the overall VCR subsystem. The proposed research will provide much-needed insights and framework for a reliable, modulated, energy-efficient heat rejection technology to enable further development of the CO2 deposition system, and also to facilitate new approaches for other applications such as thermal management and in-situ resource utilization.
The proposed research will provide much-needed insights and framework for a reliable, modulated, energy-efficient heat rejection technology to enable further development of the CO2 deposition system, and also to facilitate new approaches for other applications such as thermal management and in-situ resource utilization.
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