Abstract
Quality of life on the International Space Station (ISS) has become more and more important, since the time spent by astronauts outside the terrestrial atmosphere has increased in the last years. The actual concept for the Crew Quarters (CQ) have demonstrated the possibility of a personal space for sleep and free time activities in which the noise levels are lower, but not enough, compared to the noisy ISS isle way. However, there are several issues that needs to be improved to increase the performance of CQ. Our project QUEST is intended to propose a new concept of CQ in which we will correct these issues, like the noise levels will be lower, more space for astronaut, increased thermal comfort, reduce the CQ total weight, higher efficiency for the air distribution, personalized ventilation system in CQ for the crew members in order to remove CO2 from the breathing zone. This paper presents a CFD study in which we are comparing the actual and a proposed ventilation solution for introducing the air in CQ. A preliminary numerical model of the present configuration of the air distribution system of the Crew Quarters on board of the ISS, shows the need for an improved air distribution inside these enclosures. Lower velocity values at the inlet diffuser, distributed over a larger surface, as well as diffusers with improved induction would appear to be a better choice. This was confirmed through the development of a new model including linear diffusers with a larger discharge surface. In this new configuration, the regions of possible draught are dramatically reduced. The overall distributions of the velocity magnitudes displaying more uniform, lower values, in the same time with more uniform temperatures. All these observations allow us to consider a better mixing of the air inside the enclosure.
Highlights
Space is one of the most extreme environments imaginable
For the cases 4 and 5 the air was deflected 45° angle down, through an improved linear diffuser. This case is associated with an idea of a first level improvement of the air distribution system in the Crew Quarters (CQ). This way, we propose to keep the actual configuration of the inlet and the exhaust ducting parts but renounce to the ducting and abatements that are situated along the door of the CQ
These three cases are corresponding to the current situation of the air distribution system in the CQ on board of the International Space Station (ISS)
Summary
Space is one of the most extreme environments imaginable. Outside ISS, the wall temperature will vary from 121°C (Sun facing side) to -157°C (dark side)[1]. Due to the fact that the time spent by astronauts on ISS has increased over the years, quality of life has become a matter that needs to be improved. Future space stations and long range transportation space ships will demand for more comfortable life conditions for both crew members and travellers. Over the last two-and-a-half decades, The International Space Station’s Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) has developed in size, complexity, and capability continuously from the beginning [2]. ISS crew members are living and working in a high-risk environment, and their comfort plays a major role in ISS proper operation, because a rested crew member operating in a comfortable environment is less prone to human error
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