Membrane microgravity air conditoner
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Solution Overview
Problem
In confined environments like space, there is a need for a reliable method to produce clean condensate from air humidity for extended periods with low mass and volume, while ensuring processed air has a sensible temperature and low O3 levels, and minimizing biofilm formation.
Innovation Solution
A membrane microgravity air conditioner system that includes a filtering system with nanoporous hydrophilic tubes, latent heat exchangers, and a thermal control system using a coolant mixture, along with UVC light for biofilm prevention, to condense water vapor and control humidity and temperature effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional air conditioning systems are used in space, then cooling function is provided, but mass and volume requirements are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water (liquid to vapor to liquid) as the core cooling mechanism. Water is evaporated to absorb heat from the environment, then condensed back to liquid to release heat to space radiators, creating a continuous cooling cycle without mechanical compressors
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical compression and expansion systems with passive thermal management using phase change materials and heat transfer surfaces. The cooling cycle is driven by thermal gradients rather than mechanical work, eliminating heavy motors, valves, and refrigerant circulation systems
2Duration of action of moving object
If extended operation is required for water recovery, then reliability improves, but biofilm formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs UV irradiation (wavelength 200-280 nm) to generate oxidative conditions that prevent biofilm formation in the condensate collection and storage systems. The UV light creates reactive oxygen species that continuously sterilize the water, allowing extended operation without biological contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces UV irradiation as an intermediary sterilization mechanism between the condensate collection and storage phases. This intermediary treatment prevents direct biological contamination while allowing the system to operate extended periods
3Reliability
If humidity control is enhanced, then air processing quality improves, but O3 generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the UV irradiation parameters (wavelength 200-280 nm, intensity, and exposure time) to achieve effective sterilization while minimizing ozone generation. By optimizing these parameters, the system maintains air processing quality without excessive ozone production
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system efficiently produces clean condensate for extended periods, maintains low O3 levels, and prevents biofilm formation, meeting the requirements for reliable air processing in microgravity environments with minimal mass and volume.
Implementation Method 1
membrane microgravity air conditioner system that includes a filtering system with nanoporous hydrophilic tubes
Implementation Method 2
latent heat exchangers
Implementation Method 3
UVC light for biofilm prevention
Data Source
AI summary
Clean condensate production may be produced from humidity in unfiltered air for an extended period of time using a membrane microgravity air conditioner which comprises an air box, comprising an inlet air flow path from a side face through an open top, and a filtering system disposed within the air box. The filtering system comprises one or more trash screens disposed in the inlet air flow path, one or more latent heat exchangers (LHX) disposed in the inlet air flow path, one or more particulate filters disposed in the inlet air flow path intermediate the trash screen and the LHX, one or more thermal control system (TCS) medium temperature loops, and one or more sensible heat exchangers (SHX) disposed in the inlet air flow path intermediate the particulate filter and the LHX.