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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

Adsorption bed models used in simulation of atmospheric control systems

Two separate techniques were used to obtain important basic data for the adsorption of seven liquid and eight gaseous trace contaminants. A columetric system used in previous HSC studies was modified to determine the HSC capacity of all the contaminants. A second study of six of the liquids was performed in a gas chromatorgraph. The results of these two studies are reported in two parts. First, a brief summary of the chromatographic results are given. Second, a thesis is given which reports in some detail the results of the volumetric studies. Comparison of the data that are common to both studies are also included.

Davis, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Challenges to life support system's future

The development and future requirements of life support systems are considered, and the choice of equipment for long-duration missions is examined. The need for programmatic flexibility, capability growth, and integration of life support systems is discussed. Water supply, CO2 control, oxygen supply, trace contaminant control, and waste management are surveyed, and evolution forecast is presented.

Smith, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Hg and Pt-metals in meteorite carbon-rich residues - Suggestions for possible host phase for Hg

Carbon-rich and oxide residual phases have been isolated from Allende and Murchison by acid demineralization for the determination of their Hg, Pt-metal, Cr, Sc, Co, and Fe contents. Experimental procedures used eliminated the possibility of exogenous and endogenous contaminant trace elements from coprecipitating with the residues. Large enrichments of Hg and Pt-metals were found in Allende but not in Murchison residues. Hg-release profiles from stepwise heating experiments suggest a sulfide as the host for Hg. Diffusion calculations for Hg based on these experiments indicate an activation energy of 7-8 kcal/mol, the same as that for Hg in troilite from an iron meteorite. This is further support for a sulfide host phase for Hg. Equilibration of Hg with this phase at approximately 900 K is indicated. Reasons for the presence of Pt-metals in noncosmic relative abundances are explored.

Jovanovic, S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Temperature dependent UV absorption cross sections for carbonyl sulfide

The ultraviolet absorption spectrum of carbonyl sulfide is investigated in order to assess the importance of the photolytic sink for OCS in the troposphere. Absorption cross sections were measured at wavelengths between 185 and 300 nm in a double-beam spectrometer at temperatures of 295 and 225 K. The results are found to be in good agreement with previous reports in the short wavelength region, but significantly lower than the value of 2 x 10 to the 22nd sq cm/molecule proposed by Rudolf and Inn (1981) between 280 and 300 nm, which may be attributed to trace contaminants or dimerization. A marked temperature effect is noted at wavelengths greater than 240 nm and below 190 nm. As no evidence of absorption at wavelengths greater than 270 nm was found, estimates of the solar photodissociation rate of tropospheric OCS based on the present cross sections yield a value of about 2 x 10 to the -9th/sec, corresponding to a tropospheric lifetime of about 20 years. It is therefore concluded that solar photolysis represents a negligible sink for OCS.

Molina, L. T.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Extended mission life support systems

The life support systems employed in manned space missions have generally been based on the use of expendables, such as, for instance, liquid oxygen. For the conducted space missions, such systems have advantages related to volume, weight, and economy of power consumption. However, this situation will change in connection with Shuttle Orbiter missions of extended duration, permanent manned facilities in low-earth orbit, and ultimately manned planetary vehicles. A description is given of suitable regenerative life support systems for such extended manned space missions. Attention is given to advanced life support systems technology, air revitalization, CO2 reduction, oxygen generation, nitrogen generation, trace contaminant control, air revitalization system integration, control/monitor instrumentation, water reclamation, solid waste management, manned testing and life support integration, an enhanced duration orbiter, a space operations center, manned interplanetary life support systems, and future development requirements.

Quattrone, P. D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The development status of candidate life support technology for a space station

The establishment of a permanently-manned Space Station has recently been selected as the next major step in the U.S. space program. The requirements of a manned operations base in space appear to be best satisfied by on-board Environmental Control/Life Support Systems (ECLSS) which are free from, or have minimum dependence on, use of expendables and the frequent earth resupply missions which are part of systems using expendables. The present investigation is concerned with the range of regenerative life support system options which NASA is developing to be available for the Space Station designer. An air revitalization system is discussed, taking into account devices concerned with the carbon dioxide concentration, approaches of CO2 reduction, oxygen generation, trace contaminant control, and atmospheric quality monitoring. Attention is also given to an independent air revitalization system, nitrogen generation, a water reclamation system, a waste management system, applications of the technology, and future development requirements.

Samonski, F. H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Air Revitalization System integration

This paper presents a status review of Spacecraft Air Revitalization System (ARS) integration using regenerable techniques. The paper addresses concepts of integration of individual subsystems into an Air Revitalization System, as well as integration of components within subsystems. An ARS design is presented based on the Electrochemical Depolarized Carbon Dioxide Concentrator Subsystem, the Sabatier Carbon Dioxide Reduction Subsystem, the Static Feed Water Electrolysis Subsystem, a condensing Humidity Control Subsystem, and a Water Handling Subsystem to perform the functions of CO2 removal, CO2 reduction, O2 generation, humidity control and by-product water distribution, respectively. The paper also highlights the numerous advantages of this integration. Trace contaminant control and the nitrogen supply are not included in the ARS described in this paper.

Quattrone, P. D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Environmental control/life support

It is pointed out that the life support systems technology used on projects Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle required an employment of expendables. Skylab was the only manned space project which made use of regenerable life support technology, taking into account the employment of a silica gel/molecular sieve for carbon dioxide removal. A number of investigations indicate that significant launch weight and volume as well as recurring cost savings can be realized by using regenerative life support processes for a Space Station. A number of developed regenerative processes are believed to be applicable to a Space Station. Aspects of air revitalization are discussed, taking into account carbon dioxide reduction, oxygen generation, trace contaminant control, temperature and humidity control, instrumentation, and nitrogen supply. Attention is also given to water reclamation, solid waste treatment, and future development and testing programs.

Quattrone, P. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Effects of impurities on silicon solar-cell performance

Model analyses indicate that sophisticated solar cell designs (back surface fields, optical reflectors, surface passivation, and double layer antireflective coatings) can produce devices with conversion efficiencies above 20%. To realize this potential, the quality of the silicon from which the cells are made must be improved; and these excellent electrical properties must be maintained during device processing. As the cell efficiency rises, the sensitivity to trace contaminants also increases. For example, the threshold Ti impurity concentraion at which cell performance degrades is more than an order of magnitude lower for an 18% cell than for a 16% cell. Similar behavior occurs for numerous other metal species which introduce deep level traps that stimulate the recombination of photogenerated carriers in silicon. Purification via crystal growth in conjunction with gettering steps to preserve the large diffusion length of the as grown material can lead to the production of devices with efficiencies above 18%, as verified experimentally.

Hopkins, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Impurity effects in silicon for high efficiency solar cells

Model analyses indicate that sophisticated solar cell designs including, e.g., back surface fields, optical reflectors, surface passivation, and double layer antireflective coatings can produce devices with conversion efficiencies above 20 percent (AM1). To realize this potential, the quality of the silicon from which the cells are made must be improved; and these excellent electrical properties must be maintained during device processing. As the cell efficiency rises, the sensitivity to trace contaminants also increases. For example, the threshold Ti impurity concentration at which cell performance degrades is more than an order of magnitude lower for an 18-percent cell. Similar behavior occurs for numerous other metal species which introduce deep level traps that stimulate the recombination of photogenerated carriers in silicon. Purification via crystal growth in conjunction with gettering steps to preserve the large diffusion length of the as-grown material can lead to the production of devices with efficiencies aboved 18 percent, as has been verified experimentally.

Hopkins, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Air and water quality monitor assessment of life support subsystems

Preprotype air revitalization and water reclamation subsystems (Mole Sieve, Sabatier, Static Feed Electrolyzer, Trace Contaminant Control, and Thermoelectric Integrated Membrane Evaporative Subsystem) were operated and tested independently and in an integrated arrangement. During each test, water and/or gas samples were taken from each subsystem so that overall subsystem performance could be determined. The overall test design and objectives for both subsystem and integrated subsystem tests were limited, and no effort was made to meet water or gas specifications. The results of chemical analyses for each of the participating subsystems are presented along with other selected samples which were analyzed for physical properties and microbiologicals.

Whitley, Ken↗
NASA NTRS1990

Stability Of A Carbon-Dioxide-Removing Resin

Report describes experiments determing long-term chemical stability of IRA-45, commerical ion-exchange resin candidate for use in removing CO2 from atmosphere of Space Station. In proposed system, cabin air passes through resin, and acidic CO2 absorbed by weakly-basic hydrated diethylenetriamine bonded to porous resin substrate. When resin absorbs all CO2, disconnects from airstream and heated with steam to desorb CO2. Resin reuseable. Removed by post-treating process air with phosphoric acid on charcoal. Other chemicals removed by trace-contaminant-control subsystem of Space Station.

Wydeven, Theodore↗
NASA NTRS1990

Pressurized-Flat-Interface Heat Exchanger

High thermal conductance obtained without leakage between loops. Heat-exchanger interface enables efficient transfer of heat between two working fluids without allowing fluids to intermingle. Interface thin, flat, and easy to integrate into thermal system. Possible application in chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing when even trace contamination of process stream with water or other coolant ruins product. Reduces costs when highly corrosive fluids must be cooled or heated.

Voss, F. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Generation rates and chemical compositions of waste streams in a typical crewed space habitat

A judicious compilation of generation rates and chemical compositions of potential waste feed streams in a typical crewed space habitat was made in connection with the waste-management aspect of NASA's Physical/Chemical Closed-Loop Life Support Program. Waste composition definitions are needed for the design of waste-processing technologies involved in closing major life support functions in future long-duration human space missions. Tables of data for the constituents and chemical formulas of the following waste streams are presented and discussed: human urine, feces, hygiene (laundry and shower) water, cleansing agents, trash, humidity condensate, dried sweat, and trace contaminants. Tables of data on dust generation and pH values of the different waste streams are also presented and discussed.

Wydeven, Theodore↗
NASA NTRS1990

Atmosphere and water quality monitoring on Space Station Freedom

In Space Station Freedom air and water will be supplied in closed loop systems. The monitoring of air and water qualities will ensure the crew health for the long mission duration. The Atmosphere Composition Monitor consists of the following major instruments: (1) a single focusing mass spectrometer to monitor major air constituents and control the oxygen/nitrogen addition for the Space Station; (2) a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer to detect trace contaminants; (3) a non-dispersive infrared spectrometer to determine carbon monoxide concentration; and (4) a laser particle counter for measuring particulates in the air. An overview of the design and development concepts for the air and water quality monitors is presented.

Niu, William↗
NASA NTRS1990

The Extended Duration Orbiter Regenerable CO2 Removal System

A new carbon dioxide scrubber system is undergoing development for extended duration orbiter (EDO) missions. The EDO requirements of missions up to 18 days and the capability for future missions up to 30 days necessitated the development and implementation of a regenerative CO2 removal process. This new system will reduce the launch weight and stowage volume as compared to the present method of CO2 removal, lithium hydroxide, which is stowed in canisters. The selected design, called the Regenerable CO2 Removal System (RCRS), uses a solid amine material to adsorb carbon dioxide and water vapor and periodically desorb these to space vacuum. The RCRS, which is located below the middeck floor, interfaces with the orbiter's cabin Atmospheric Revitalization System and is adjustable from four to seven crewmembers. The RCRS is designed to automatically cycle the beds from absorb to vacuum-desorb every 30 minutes. Also incorporated into the design are features such consumable recovery, external leak protection, trace contaminant control and automatic control logic operation.

Ouellette, Fred A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Waste streams in a typical crewed space habitat: An update

A compilation of generation rates and chemical compositions of potential waste streams in a typical crewed space habitat, reported in a prior NASA Technical Memorandum and a related journal article, was updated. This report augments that compilation by the inclusion of the following new data: those data uncovered since completion of the prior report; those obtained from Soviet literature relevant to life support issues; and those for various minor human body wastes not presented previously (saliva, flatus, hair, finger- and toenails, dried skin and skin secretions, tears, and semen), but included here for purposes of completeness. These waste streams complement those discussed previously: toilet waste (urine, feces, etc.), hygiene water (laundry, shower/handwash, dishwasher water and cleansing agents), trash, humidity condensate, perspiration and respiration water, trace contaminants, and dust generation. This report also reproduces the latest information on the environmental control and life support system design parameters for Space Station Freedom.

Golub, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Modeling of advanced ECLSS/ARS with ASPEN

System-level ASPEN models were developed for the CO2 partial reduction subsystem and a bioregenerative life support subsystem (BRLSS). The individual component and subsystem models were integrated into three different system-level atmospheric revitalization subsystem (ARS) models: baseline physico-chemical, BRLSS, and partial reduction of Martian CO2. The Aspen models were based on FORTRAN interfaces necessary for integration with another program, G189A, to perform quasi-transient modeling. Detailed reactor models were prepared for the two CO2 reduction reactors (Bosch and Advanced Carbon Formation), and the low-temperature trace contaminant oxidation reactor.

Kolodney, M.↗