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Numerical Prediction and Evaluation of Space Station Intermodule Ventilation and Air Distribution Performance
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English
Abstract
This paper presents the basic test data obtained from tests of a cabin air distribution system in a simulated Space Station Man-Tended Capability (MTC) configuration and correlations of some of this data with the results from analytical modeling of the test setup flow conditions. The MTC configuration simulated in the test setup includes: Lab-A, the Node, the Cupola, and the Pressurized Module Adaptor (PMA). The test data and analytical data presented are confined to those for the Lab module.
The cabin air distribution system controls the flow of air in the open space of a Space Station module. In order to meet crew comfort criteria the local velocities for this cabin air are required to be distributed within a specified range with upper and lower limits. Achieving this desired velocity distribution is dependent upon the: (1.) design of the cabin air supply equipment and cabin air return equipment, (2.) total flowrate of air supplied to and subsequently returned from the cabin, and (3.) interactive effects of any other additional air flow streams which enter and exit the cabin.
The basic Space Station design for the cabin air supply and air return equipment was used in this test program. This equipment is included in the Temperature and Humidity Control (THC) subsystem for the Space Station. Two other air streams, in addition to what is defined as THC cabin airflow, which were involved in the test program were:
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1
Open Hatch Airflow-Simulated open hatch conditions between the Lab and the Node and between the Node and the PMA were implemented to interchange airflow between modules.
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Intermodule Ventilation (IMV) Airflow - IMV assemblies are used to interchange airflow between Space Station modules. These modules include the U.S. Lab-A module, the nodes, the PMA, and the international modules.
©1994. The Boeing Company. All rights reserved. This work performed under contract for NASA.
Test results for the Lab module from thirteen of the test runs which demonstrate the ability for the air distribution system to meet its objectives are presented. These test run results are compared with each other with respect to their standing relative to meeting the test objectives. Correlations of test data with the computed results from analytical modeling of the test setup are also presented.
The test program investigated the effects of variable conditions in meeting the test objectives. The basic variables in these test runs were the THC airflow and the methods of interchanging airflow between the modules noted above. The Lab module THC airflow varied from 320 cfm to 400 cfm in the test runs presented here. The test and analytical developments discussed in this paper are applicable to the newly designated International Space Station Alpha (ISSA).
Authors
Citation
Son, C., Barker, R., and McGraw, E., "Numerical Prediction and Evaluation of Space Station Intermodule Ventilation and Air Distribution Performance," SAE Technical Paper 941509, 1994, https://doi.org/10.4271/941509.Also In
References
- Graves, J. Olmsted, G. Solter, D. et al “Inter-Module Ventilation Man-Tended Capability Test Results,” Boeing Report D683-80059-1 June 1994
- Son, C. Barker, R.S. “U.S. Lab-A Module Cabin Air Distribution in Space Station,” SAE 932192 July 1993
- Mobley, D.H. Homan, CA. “Prime Item Development Specification Type B1, for the ECLSS Temperature and Humidity Control Subsystem,” Boeing Document S683-29558B January 1993
- “FLUENT User's Guide, Version 4.2,” FLUENT Incorporated document Lebanon, N.H. June 1993
- Hinze, J.O. “Turbulence,” McGraw Hill New York 1975