In the frame of ESA's Basic Technology Research Programme an integrated Fan-Pump-Separator (FPS) unit, for the European EVA Space Suit System, was developed up to breadboard level. The development was carried out by TECHNOFAN (F) as subcontractor to DORNIER (D) under contract of the European Space Agency.
Concept Trade-offs and design definition confirmed the advantages in power, mass and volume of integrating all three functions into a single unit. The unit is driven by one common brushless DC motor. The performance requirements for the three basic functions (oxygen circulation, coolant water circulation and water separation) were derived from the system layout of the life support system for the European EVA Space Suit.
The separate functional units were comprehensively tested in preliminary development tests. Final assembly of the functional units led to an integrated breadboard, which was successfully tested.
The paper describes the development approach, the concept selection, the design and the tests with their results.