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Performance of a Multifunctional Space Evaporator-Absorber-Radiator (SEAR)The Space Evaporator-Absorber-Radiator (SEAR) is a nonventing thermal control subsystem that combines a Space Water Membrane Evaporator (SWME) with a Lithium Chloride Absorber Radiator (LCAR). The LCAR is a heat pump radiator that absorbs water vapor produced in the SWME. Because of the very low water vapor pressure at equilibrium with lithium chloride solution, the LCAR can absorb water vapor at a temperature considerably higher than the SWME, enabling heat rejection sufficient for most EVA activities by thermal radiation from a relatively small area radiator. Prior SEAR prototypes used a flexible LCAR that was designed to be installed on the outer surface of a portable life support system (PLSS) backpack. This paper describes a SEAR subsystem that incorporates a very compact LCAR. The compact, multifunctional LCAR is built in the form of thin panels that can also serve as the PLSS structural shell. We designed and assembled a 2 ft² prototype LCAR based on this design and measured its performance in thermal vacuum tests when supplied with water vapor by a SWME. These tests validated our models for SEAR performance and showed that there is enough area available on the PLSS backpack shell to enable rejection of metabolic heat from the LCAR. We used results of these tests to assess future performance potential and suggest approaches for integrating the SEAR system with future space suits.
Document ID
20140006530
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Izenson, Michael G.
(Creare, Inc. Hanover, NH, United States)
Chen, Weibo
(Creare, Inc. Hanover, NH, United States)
Phillips, Scott
(Creare, Inc. Hanover, NH, United States)
Chepko, Ariane
(Creare, Inc. Hanover, NH, United States)
Bue, Grant
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Quinn, Gregory
(United Technologies Aerospace Systems Windsor Locks, CT, United States)
Date Acquired
June 3, 2014
Publication Date
January 1, 2014
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Fluid Mechanics And Thermodynamics
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-31261
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems
Location: Tucson, AZ
Country: United States
Start Date: July 13, 2014
End Date: July 17, 2014
Sponsors: Texas Tech Univ.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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