Environmental Control and Life Support System
Learn how the Environmental Control and Life Support System onboard the space station manages atmosphere, CO2, contaminants, temperature, humidity, and water. It includes details on nitrogen-oxygen mix, carbon dioxide filtering, trace contaminant control, temperature and humidity regulation, and water recovery and management processes.
Environmental Control and Life Support System
E N D
Presentation Transcript
System Overview • Atmosphere control and supply • CO2 Filtering • Trace contaminant control • Temperature and humidity control • Water recovery and management
Atmosphere Control and Supply • Nitrogen Oxygen Mix (80% N2 20% O2) • Gasses are stored in a very cold liquid form (cryogenic tanks on the mast) • Cryogenic heaters convert them from a liquid to a gas state so the crew can breath them
Carbon Dioxide Filtering • Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) • CO2 is captured molecularly in regenerable sorbent beds (Zeolite beads) • When the Zeolite beads are heated the CO2 is separated and expelled into the space environment CO2 molecule Zeolite molecule
Trace Contaminant Control • Trace contaminant control subassembly detects any small amounts of contaminants from spills, leaks, or other events • This will warn the crew of any dangers and can filter small amounts of the materials
Temperature and Humidity Control • Intermodule fans circulate air to keep all areas approximately the same temperature and humidity • The cold plates will then pass any excess heat to the thermal control system • Any condensation from humidity is collected and added to the water recovery and management system
Water Recovery and Management • Collects, stores, and distributes the station’s water supply • Water is stored in large bags brought by earth launches • Collects both condensation from air, and return water from EVAs to add to the water supply • Return water is filtered and recycled, then returned to the main supply • Any non-recyclable wastes are stored for return to earth
Water Recovery and Management (cont.) Condenser A - Particulate Matter Filter B - Chemical Filter Evaporator Pump Heater 5 Waste Collection Oxygenation B A Iodine 7 8 9 4 2 Analyzer 10 3 1 12 11