Space station resistojet system requirements and interface definition study

Abstract

A conceptual design study of the resistojet orbital replacement unit (ORU) was conducted. The ORU consists of four 500-W multipropellant resistojets, fluid components downstream of the waste fluid storage subsystem, a power controller, structure, and micrometeorite shielding. The fluid components include latch valves, a water vaporizer, two pressure regulators or flow control valves, filters, check valves, fluid tubing, and interface couplings. Separate fluid components are provided for oxidizing fluids, reducing fluids and water. Different flow and power control methods were studied. The most promising methods consist of a constant pressure/on-off power control and a constant power/variable pressure control. The closed-loop power control incorporates a feedback signal which is proportional to resistojet heater temperature.