MPLM ECLS S/S Cabin Air Ventilation and Fire Suppression Test

The Mini Pressurised Logistic Module (MPLM) includes an Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), whose general purpose is to guarantee a comfortable environment for the Crew.

In particular, among the functions of the ECLSS, there is the provision of a correct ventilation in the habitable area of the Module and an air flow adequate to support fire detection in powered zones. These tasks are carried out by an air ventilation system mainly composed of a fan, eight cabin diffusers and a ducting system. In addition, the ECLSS furnishes, through a dedicated distribution system, the capability to suppress fire by release of the Carbon Dioxide contained in a portable fire extinguisher. In order to support the design of the above ECLSS functions, a development test campaign has been performed to investigate the following aspects:

• the capability to ensure air velocities in the comfort range in a mock-up simulating a portion of the MPLM cabin
• the capability to reach a Carbon Dioxide concentration adequate to suppress fire in a closed volume.

This paper presents the development test results and describes the mathematical models used for the test data prediction and correlation.