Closed Loop Environment Testing of an Air Regenerative System for ECLSS Application

Improvement of an air revitalization technology is one of the key elements for ECLSS (Environment Control and Life Support System) in development and operation of human space systems. The paper summarizes, as a validation of off-gases “removal” technique, the actual 24hr-continuous operation testing under closed environment. The analysis focuses on the removal characteristics with low CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) concentration. A preliminary closed-loop test of CO₂ “reduction” technique was conducted as well. The evaluation includes the data acquisition and analysis of CO₂ Reduction Processor which employ Sabatier-reaction and air-cooling. And finally the paper addresses the key issues to further improve this air revitalization system.