Discrete Vapor Compression Urine Processor for Space Water Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urine processor assemblies for space applications are technically complex and costly, making them inefficient for recycling water from urine, which is essential for sustaining life in space due to high water loss rates among astronauts.
Innovation Solution
A discrete vapor compression distillation urine processor assembly comprising a collection tank, separating apparatus, compressor, and storage tank, which separates urine into water vapor and brine, compresses the vapor, and condenses it back into liquid water, with optional heat exchangers and pumps to enhance efficiency and simplify the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If existing urine processor assemblies are used, then water can be recaptured from urine, but the system becomes technically complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the urine processing function into separate discrete components: a collection tank for urine intake, a separating apparatus for phase separation, a compressor for vapor compression, and a storage tank for recovered water. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining effective water recapture capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential water recapture function from complex existing systems and implements it through a simplified discrete assembly. By taking out only the necessary components (collection tank, separator, compressor, storage tank) and removing unnecessary complexity, the system achieves water recovery without the technical complexity and high costs of existing urine processor assemblies
2Loss of substance
If existing urine processor assemblies are used, then water recapture is achieved, but implementation costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into discrete, standardized components (collection tank, separating apparatus, compressor, storage tank), each component can be manufactured independently using standard production methods, reducing overall implementation costs compared to integrated complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The discrete component architecture allows for cost-effective manufacturing of individual parts that can be produced at lower cost, enabling economical implementation of water recapture technology in space applications
3Loss of substance
If complex urine processor assemblies are used, then water recapture efficiency is maintained, but space and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented discrete component design allows for compact arrangement of individual tanks and separators, optimizing space utilization more effectively than large integrated systems while maintaining water recapture efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The collection tank and storage tank can be positioned to nest or adjacently arrange in compact configurations, minimizing the overall volume occupied by the urine processing system while preserving all necessary functional components for effective water recovery
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 assembly effectively recovers about 90% of water from urine, reducing the need for external water supply and lowering production costs by simplifying the system and reducing component complexity, suitable for microgravity environments.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor is operative to compress water vapor. The heat exchanger is operative to heat urine with heat generated by a compression of water vapor
Implementation Method 2
The first separator is operative to separate urine into water vapor and brine
Implementation Method 3
the assembly comprises a condenser; where the condenser lies downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
A vapor compression distillation urine processor assembly including a pump, a first phase separating apparatus, a compressor, and a second phase separating apparatus. Further detailed is a method of processing urine using a vapor compression distillation urine processor assembly.