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Lunar Base Heat PumpThe objective of this project was to investigate the feasibility of constructing a heat pump suitable for use as a heat rejection device in applications such as a lunar base. In this situation, direct heat rejection through the use of radiators is not possible at a temperature suitable for lde support systems. Initial analysis of a heat pump of this type called for a temperature lift of approximately 378 deg. K, which is considerably higher than is commonly called for in HVAC and refrigeration applications where heat pumps are most often employed. Also because of the variation of the rejection temperature (from 100 to 381 deg. K), extreme flexibility in the configuration and operation of the heat pump is required. A three-stage compression cycle using a refrigerant such as CFC-11 or HCFC-123 was formulated with operation possible with one, two or three stages of compression. Also, to meet the redundancy requirements, compression was divided up over multiple compressors in each stage. A control scheme was devised that allowed these multiple compressors to be operated as required so that the heat pump could perform with variable heat loads and rejection conditions. A prototype heat pump was designed and constructed to investigate the key elements of the high-lift heat pump concept. Control software was written and implemented in the prototype to allow fully automatic operation. The heat pump was capable of operation over a wide range of rejection temperatures and cooling loads, while maintaining cooling water temperature well within the required specification of 40 deg. C +/- 1.7 deg. C. This performance was verified through testing.
Document ID
19970012947
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Walker, D.
(Foster-Miller Associates, Inc. Waltham, MA United States)
Fischbach, D.
(Foster-Miller Associates, Inc. Waltham, MA United States)
Tetreault, R.
(Foster-Miller Associates, Inc. Waltham, MA United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1996
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Report/Patent Number
NAS-8819-FM-09614-987
NASA-CR-203938
NAS 1.26:203938
Accession Number
97N17068
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS9-18819
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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