Efficient humidity control system based on zero-gravity environment

Abstract

The invention provides an efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, which comprises a temperature control module, a heat and mass transfer module, a temperature and humidity sensor, a siphon moisture guide system and an air circulation system, and is characterized in that at least one movable temperature control module is arranged on one side wall surface of the heat and mass transfer module, and the temperature control module is used for controlling the temperature of the heat and mass transfer module; a temperature and humidity sensor is arranged at an air inlet of the heat and mass transfer module, is used for monitoring the temperature and humidity state of the system and is in signal connection with the temperature control module; the siphon moisture guiding system is arranged in the heat and mass transfer module, and efficient moisture conveying under the zero-gravity environment is achieved through the siphon principle; the air circulation system is arranged at the top of the heat and mass transfer module and used for promoting air flow and uniform humidity distribution in the system. According to the efficient humidity control system, the porous medium and the nanofiller are adopted in the heat and mass transfer module, the structure is efficient and compact, and efficient dehumidification and humidification can be conducted on the space aircraft environment in the zero-gravity environment. And in combination with a siphon moisture guiding technology, the system can condense, recycle and store water vapor in a high-humidity environment, and the water vapor is used for system humidification when the humidity is reduced. The problems that an air conditioning system in an existing space station is low in humidity control efficiency and complex in structure in a zero-gravity environment are solved, meanwhile, the defect that air dehumidification and humidification need to be conducted through equipment separately is overcome, and effective utilization of precious water resources in a space aircraft is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of humidity control, and in particular to a high-efficiency humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment. Background Art

[0002] In a gravity-free environment, effective control and regulation of humidity is essential to maintain the stability of the spacecraft's internal environment. Traditional humidity control systems usually rely on gravity to separate and discharge condensate when operating on the ground. However, in a weightless state, this reliance makes it difficult for condensate to be discharged smoothly, thus affecting the system's operating efficiency and reliability. Traditional humidity control systems are designed with gravity conditions on the ground in mind, and their performance in different gravity environments (such as the ground, microgravity, or zero gravity) is unsatisfactory. In addition, existing humidity control devices are often complex in structure and difficult to effectively adjust and maintain in different gravity environments (such as the ground, microgravity, or zero gravity), which limits their application and effectiveness in long-term space missions. Although the plate-fin structure used in the condensation and dehumidification structure of Europe and the United States has high heat exchange efficiency, the collection system of condensed water is relatively complex. The condensed water first stays on the wavy surface between the plates and then is guided into the water storage pipe through micropores. Under microgravity conditions, this complex collection system may require more maintenance and adjustment, increasing the operational risk and complexity of the system. In addition, plate-fin structures are usually bulky and heavy due to their design complexity and large heat exchange area. Under the space and weight constraints of the spacecraft, this may limit the installation space for other important equipment or payloads, affecting the overall performance and payload of the spacecraft. Although the tube-fin structure adopted by Russia can effectively cool the air below the dew point, its heat exchange efficiency may be lower than that of the plate-fin structure. This means that more cooling water and a larger surface area are required to achieve the same humidity control effect, which may increase the energy consumption demand for other systems. Due to the particularity of the structural design, Russia's tube-fin structure may be more dependent on technical maintenance and adjustments. In a microgravity environment, any technical adjustment and maintenance requires higher technical difficulty and precision, which may increase the risk and cost of space missions.

[0003] In summary, although other countries or regions have proposed their own humidity control solutions in a zero-gravity environment, they all have some challenges and limitations and need to be continuously improved and optimized in technology to better meet the needs of future long-term space missions. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an efficient humidity control system based on a weightless environment, which overcomes the disadvantage that air dehumidification and humidification need to be processed separately through the cooperation of a heat and mass transfer module and a siphon moisture conduction system.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention proposes an efficient humidity control system based on a weightless environment, comprising a temperature control module, a heat and mass transfer module, a temperature and humidity sensor and a siphon moisture conduction system, wherein at least one movable temperature control module is provided on one side wall of the heat and mass transfer module, and the temperature control module is used to control the temperature of the heat and mass transfer module, and the temperature control module comprises a Stirling refrigeration system and a metal film heating system; an air inlet is provided on the heat and mass transfer module, and the temperature and humidity sensor is arranged at the air inlet, and the temperature and humidity sensor is used to monitor the temperature and humidity status of the system, and the temperature and humidity sensor is connected to the temperature control module signal; the heat and mass transfer module adopts a honeycomb medium and nanofiller with a porous structure; the siphon moisture conduction system is arranged inside the heat and mass transfer module for transporting moisture.

[0006] Furthermore, in the high-efficiency humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, a heat-conducting fin is embedded in the bottom of the heat and mass transfer module that contacts the temperature control module.

[0007] Furthermore, in the efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, a high-efficiency thermal conductive coating is provided between the heat and mass transfer module and the metal film heating system, and a phase change temperature equalizing plate is provided between the Stirling cooling system and the metal film heating system.

[0008] Furthermore, in the efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, the efficient thermal conductive coating uses a material with a high thermal conductivity as a filler, including silicon carbide nanoparticles or aluminum nitride nanoparticles.

[0009] Furthermore, in the efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, the phase-change temperature equalizing plate adopts a multi-layer structure, including multiple microchannels and capillary structures, and is composed of a phase-change temperature equalizing material with an appropriate phase-change temperature and a high thermal conductivity.

[0010] Furthermore, in the high-efficiency humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, the membrane material of the metal film heating system adopts a material with excellent thermal conductivity, and uses an intelligent thermal regulation composite membrane structure.

[0011] Furthermore, in the high-efficiency humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, the filter system is provided on the outside of the air inlet, and the filter system uses a high-efficiency filter material with a fine mesh structure or a multi-layered fiber network.

[0012] Furthermore, in the efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, the siphon moisture conduction system includes a humidity regulating tank and a siphon channel, one end of the siphon channel is connected to the humidity regulating tank, and the other end is embedded in the heat and mass transfer module.

[0013] Furthermore, in the high-efficiency humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, a pressure and temperature control system is provided in the humidity control tank.

[0014] Furthermore, in the efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, the air circulation system is arranged on the top of the heat and mass transfer module to promote air flow and humidity distribution in the system, and the air circulation system includes an air duct and a fan, and the fan is arranged on the top of the air duct.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are mainly reflected in: the system can achieve efficient humidity regulation in a zero-gravity environment, taking into account the characteristics of the space station environment, such as high cleanliness, precious water resources, and the need for compact equipment, and solves the problems of low efficiency and complex structure of traditional air conditioning systems in a zero-gravity environment. At the same time, it also overcomes the disadvantage that air dehumidification and humidification need to be handled separately, and has a flexible design and simple maintenance method to adapt to different operating requirements and environmental changes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the high-efficiency humidity control system in the present invention based on a zero-gravity environment;

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the principle of the efficient humidity control system in the present invention based on a zero-gravity environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following will be described in more detail with reference to the schematic diagram of the present invention based on the efficient humidity control system in a zero-gravity environment, wherein the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can modify the present invention described herein, while still achieving the advantageous effects of the present invention. Therefore, the following description should be understood as being widely known to those skilled in the art, and not as a limitation of the present invention.

[0019] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that directional words, such as the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating directions and positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of narrating the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and cannot be understood as limiting the specific protection scope of the present invention.

[0020] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "assemble", "connect", and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can also be a mechanical connection; it can be directly connected, or it can be connected through an intermediate medium, or the two elements can be internally connected. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0021] The present invention is described in more detail in the following paragraphs by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are in very simplified form and are not in exact proportions, and are only used to facilitate and clearly assist in illustrating the purpose of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention proposes an efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, including a temperature control module 1, a heat and mass transfer module 2, a temperature and humidity sensor 3, a siphon moisture conduction system 4, an air circulation system 5 and a filtration system 6.

[0023] Specifically, a temperature control module 1 is provided on one side wall of the heat and mass transfer module 2, and the temperature control module 1 is used to control the temperature of the heat and mass transfer module 2; an air inlet 21 is provided on the heat and mass transfer module 2, and a temperature and humidity sensor 3 is arranged at the air inlet 21 of the heat and mass transfer module 2, and the temperature and humidity sensor 3 is used to monitor the temperature and humidity status of the system, and the temperature and humidity sensor 3 is connected with the temperature control module 1 by signal; a filtering system 6 is provided on the outside of the air inlet 21, which is suitable for a space station in a zero-gravity environment, and is used to filter tiny particles and dust in the air, to ensure that the air entering the humidity control system is clean, and to improve the operation efficiency and stability of the system.

[0024] At the same time, the siphon moisture conduction system 4 is arranged inside the heat and mass transfer module 2, and uses the siphon principle to efficiently transport moisture in a gravity-free environment to avoid accumulation of condensate, and at the same time can prevent the condensate from splashing and dispersing. The air circulation system 5 is arranged on the top of the heat and mass transfer module 2 to promote air flow and humidity distribution in the system.

[0025] Furthermore, at least one temperature control module 1 is movably fixed on the side wall of the heat and mass transfer module 2, so that the temperature control module 1 can be stably attached and installed in a zero-gravity environment, has extremely small thermal conductivity and thermal resistance, and can be adjusted, disassembled, assembled and replaced as needed to adapt to different operating requirements.

[0026] Furthermore, the heat and mass transfer module 2 adopts a honeycomb medium and nanofiller with a porous structure. In the present embodiment, the nanofiller used is a metallic silver powder with high thermal conductivity. At the same time, a heat-conducting fin is designed in the overall heat and mass transfer module 2 to be embedded in the metal base plate in contact with the temperature control module 1 at the bottom to enhance the heat transfer between the entire module and the temperature control module. The high thermal conductivity of the silver powder ensures the rapid and efficient transfer of heat within the module, significantly reduces the thermal resistance, and thus improves the thermal management efficiency of the system. The honeycomb structure design inside the heat and mass transfer module 2 has a high porosity, provides a variety of heat transfer channels and gas flow paths, and helps to improve the overall efficiency. The geometric shape of the honeycomb structure ensures uniform distribution of heat, avoids local overheating, further improves the uniformity of heat transfer, and is also a moisture-conducting pathway.

[0027] Furthermore, the temperature control module 1 includes a Stirling refrigeration system 7 and a metal film heating system 8. The film material of the metal film heating system 8 is made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity and uses an intelligent thermal regulation composite film structure. The intelligent thermal regulation composite film structure integrates a miniaturized heating element, and the integrated heating circuit is embedded in the thermal conductive film. The heating circuit can intelligently adjust the heating power according to actual needs, thereby reducing heat transfer losses and improving overall heating efficiency. This system can achieve efficient heat transfer and control in a zero-gravity environment, ensuring the high performance and stability of the system.

[0028] At the same time, a high-efficiency thermal conductive coating 9 is filled between the heat and mass transfer module 2 and the metal film heating system 8 for precise temperature control. The high-efficiency thermal conductive coating 9 uses materials with high thermal conductivity as fillers, including silicon carbide nanoparticles or aluminum nitride nanoparticles. These materials are added to the thermal conductive coating to effectively reduce the thermal resistance and significantly improve the thermal conductivity of the coating. At the same time, the multi-layer design of the coating further optimizes the transfer and distribution of heat, reduces the overall thermal resistance, and thus improves the thermal management efficiency of the system.

[0029] At the same time, a phase change temperature plate 10 is provided between the Stirling refrigeration system 7 and the metal film heating system 8. The phase change temperature plate 10 adopts a multi-layer structure, includes multiple microchannels and capillary structures, and is composed of a phase change temperature-averaging material with an appropriate phase change temperature and a high thermal conductivity. By absorbing or releasing a large amount of latent heat to maintain temperature stability, the coldness of the Stirling small cold head is transferred to the heat and mass transfer module more evenly and efficiently.

[0030] Furthermore, the filter system 6 uses high-efficiency filter materials with significant filtering efficiency. Through a fine mesh structure or a multi-layered fiber network, it can accurately capture tiny particles and dust in the air, and effectively block and remove fine pollutants in the air. This filter material not only improves the cleanliness of the air, but also reduces the potential risk of system failure. In addition to the filtering effect, the special structural design also plays a role in the distribution of the incoming air flow. Finally, clean air flows into the system, ensuring its efficient and stable operation and optimizing the performance of the entire humidity control system.

[0031] Furthermore, the siphon moisture conduction system 4 includes a humidity control tank 41 and a siphon channel, one end of the siphon channel is connected to the humidity control tank 41, and the other end is embedded in the heat and mass transfer module 2. Since the siphon moisture conduction system 4 uses the siphon principle to effectively condense and recover water vapor in a high humidity environment, it uses the siphon channel embedded in the heat and mass transfer module 2 to condense the water vapor in the air into liquid water after cooling or temperature reduction, and then stores the condensed liquid in the humidity control tank 41 as a container. Therefore, the system can use the condensate stored in the humidity control tank 41 for humidification while the humidity is reduced, thereby effectively maintaining the humidity level required by the environment. In addition, the accumulation of condensate is avoided, ensuring the normal and stable operation of the system under various environmental conditions, especially in a zero-gravity environment, which not only improves the reliability of the system, but also optimizes the effect of humidity control.

[0032] At the same time, since the humidity control tank 41 in the siphon moisture guide system 4 extracts and stores water through the siphon pipe during the dehumidification process, and the humidity control tank 41 is equipped with a precise pressure and temperature control system to ensure normal operation under different working conditions. In the water storage stage, the system will form a negative pressure inside the humidity control tank 41 to promote the effective absorption and storage of water; and in the humidification stage, the condensate is vaporized by heating, and the pressure in the humidity control tank 41 is increased to support the uniform release of water vapor, thereby ensuring the high efficiency of the system and improving the accuracy and stability of humidity control.

[0033] Furthermore, the air circulation system ensures that the humidity can be evenly distributed by promoting the flow of air in the system (air-conditioned space). The air circulation system 5 includes an air duct 51 and a fan 52. The air duct is constructed with an integrated structure and has excellent thermal insulation performance and structural stability. The top of the air duct 51 is equipped with a high-speed fan (speed greater than 80,000 rpm), which can overcome the high resistance of the heat and mass transfer module while ensuring low noise, and is responsible for providing the necessary power for air flow, ensuring smooth circulation of air in the room, and helping to achieve efficient humidity distribution. The air duct 51 is connected to the humidity control tank 41.

[0034] At the same time, the temperature and humidity sensor 3 is specifically used to monitor the temperature and humidity status of the system in real time. The temperature and humidity sensor 3 transmits real-time data to the temperature control module 1 through the signal connection with the temperature control module 1, and forms a closed-loop control of the circulating air volume, the temperature and pressure in the humidity control tank, and the output of the temperature module 1. Through this control system, the system can automatically adjust the operating parameters of the system according to the real-time information fed back by the temperature and humidity sensor 3, thereby realizing precise control of temperature and humidity.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the specific operation of the humidity control system is as follows:

[0036] The air enters the heat and mass transfer module 2 through the air inlet 21 of the humidity control system. Before entering the system, the air first passes through the dust removal and filtration system 6 installed on the side of the air inlet 21. The system uses high-efficiency filter materials to effectively capture tiny particles and dust in the air, ensuring that the air entering the system is clean. The temperature and humidity sensor 3 at the air inlet 21 monitors the temperature and humidity of the air at the air inlet 21 in real time, and feeds back the measured data to the temperature control module 1 for real-time adjustment and control. Subsequently, the air entering the heat and mass transfer module 2 flows through the temperature control module 1, and the temperature in the air is accurately adjusted by the metal film heating system 8 and the Stirling refrigeration system 7. That is, the combination of the metal film heating system 8 and the Stirling refrigeration system 7 can effectively adjust the heating or cooling capacity of the air, thereby achieving precise temperature control. Under the action of the heat and mass transfer module 2, the moisture in the air is effectively adjusted and controlled. The heat and mass transfer module 2 uses a honeycomb porous medium and a nanofiller structure to make the transfer of heat and humidity more efficient. In a zero-gravity environment, efficient dehumidification and humidification of the spacecraft environment can be achieved to maintain a stable humidity inside the system. Combined with the siphon moisture conduction system 4, the system can condense and recover the water vapor in the high humidity environment obtained by the heat and mass transfer module 2 through the siphon pipe, and store it in the humidity control tank 41. When the humidity decreases, the system will extract water from the humidity control tank 41 and convert it into steam to humidify the environment. This process effectively avoids uneven humidity and accumulation of condensate.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the specific operating principle of the humidity control system is as follows:

[0038] The air in the system first passes through the dust removal and filtration system 6 to effectively filter out the tiny particles and dust in the air to ensure that the air entering the system is clean. The temperature and humidity sensor 3 continuously monitors the state of the air at the air inlet 21 and provides temperature and humidity data in real time. These data are fed back to the temperature control module 1 for closed-loop regulation to ensure that the temperature and humidity of the air are maintained within a preset range. Since the filtered air flows through the temperature control module 1 and the heat and mass transfer module 2. Under the action of these modules, the system can accurately adjust the temperature and humidity of the air. With the support of the temperature control module 1, the heat and mass transfer module 2 can effectively manage the moisture in the air. After being processed by the heat and mass transfer module 2, the moisture in the air is efficiently adjusted to maintain the preset humidity range. Subsequently, the siphon moisture guide system 4 is responsible for efficiently transporting moisture through the siphon principle in a weightless environment, condensing the water vapor in the high humidity environment and recycling it for storage. When the humidity decreases, the stored moisture will be used for system humidification to avoid uneven humidity and accumulation of condensate. At the same time, the air circulation system 5 promotes air flow inside the system to ensure uniform distribution of humidity and further optimize the humidity control effect.

[0039] In summary, in this embodiment, the proposed high-efficiency humidity control system based on zero-gravity environment can systematically perform high-efficiency humidity regulation and control in zero-gravity environment through the cooperation of heat and mass transfer module and siphon moisture conduction system, which solves the problems of low efficiency and complex structure of traditional systems in zero-gravity environment, and also overcomes the disadvantages of separate treatment of air dehumidification and humidification, thus realizing the effective utilization of precious water resources in spacecraft. Its maintenance and cleaning process is simple, which effectively reduces maintenance costs and prolongs the service life of the equipment.

[0040] In addition, the heat and mass transfer module adopts a compact structure of porous media and nanofillers, which can achieve efficient dehumidification and humidification of the spacecraft environment in a zero-gravity environment. Combined with the siphon moisture conduction technology, the system can effectively condense and recycle water vapor in a high-humidity environment and store it, and use it for system humidification when the humidity decreases. The dust removal and filtration system uses high-efficiency filtration materials to accurately capture tiny particles and dust in the air, ensuring that the air entering the humidity control system is clean, thereby improving the overall operating efficiency and stability of the system. The system design is compact and can adapt to various operational requirements.

[0041] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any way. Any technician in the relevant technical field, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, makes any form of equivalent replacement or modification to the technical solution and technical content disclosed in the present invention, which does not depart from the content of the technical solution of the present invention and still falls within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment, characterized in that: The invention comprises a temperature control module (1), a heat and mass transfer module (2), a temperature and humidity sensor (3) and a siphon moisture conduction system (4); at least one movable temperature control module (1) is provided on a side wall of the heat and mass transfer module (2); the temperature control module (1) is used to control the temperature of the heat and mass transfer module (2); the temperature control module (1) comprises a Stirling refrigeration system (7) and a metal film heating system (8); an air inlet (21) is provided on the heat and mass transfer module (2); the temperature and humidity sensor (3) is arranged at the air inlet (21); the temperature and humidity sensor (3) is used to monitor the temperature and humidity state of the system; the temperature and humidity sensor (3) is connected to the temperature control module (1) by signal; the heat and mass transfer module (2) adopts a honeycomb medium and nanofiller with a porous structure; the siphon moisture conduction system (4) is arranged inside the heat and mass transfer module (2) and is used to transport moisture.

2. The efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat-conducting fin is embedded in the bottom of the heat and mass transfer module (2) that contacts the temperature control module (1).

3. The efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A high-efficiency thermal conductive coating (9) is provided between the heat and mass transfer module (2) and the metal film heating system (8), and a phase change temperature averaging plate (10) is provided between the Stirling refrigeration system (7) and the metal film heating system (8).

4. The efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The high-efficiency thermal conductive coating (9) uses a material with a high thermal conductivity as a filler, including silicon carbide nanoparticles or aluminum nitride nanoparticles.

5. The efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The phase-change temperature-averaging plate (10) adopts a multi-layer structure, comprises a plurality of microchannels and capillary structures, and is composed of a phase-change temperature-averaging material having an appropriate phase-change temperature and a high thermal conductivity.

6. The efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The membrane material of the metal film heating system (8) is a material with excellent thermal conductivity, and uses an intelligent thermal regulation composite membrane structure.

7. The efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter system (6) is arranged on the outside of the air inlet (21); the filter system (6) uses a high-efficiency filter material and has a fine mesh structure or a multi-layered fiber network.

8. The efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The siphon moisture conduction system (4) comprises a humidity control tank (41) and a siphon channel, one end of the siphon channel is connected to the humidity control tank (41), and the other end is embedded in the heat and mass transfer module (2).

9. The efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The humidity control tank (41) is provided with a pressure and temperature control system.

10. The efficient humidity control system based on a zero-gravity environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air circulation system (5) is arranged on the top of the heat and mass transfer module (2) to promote air flow and humidity uniformity in the system. The air circulation system (5) comprises an air duct (51) and a fan (52). The fan (52) is arranged on the top of the air duct (51).

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