| Title: |
Carbon Dioxide Reduction Technology Trade Study
|
| Author(s): |
Jeng, Frank F.; Anderson, Molly S.; Abney, Morgan B.
|
| Abstract: |
For long-term human missions, a closed-loop atmosphere
revitalization system (ARS) is essential to minimize consumables. A
carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction technology is used to reclaim oxygen (O2)
from metabolic CO2 and is vital to reduce the delivery mass of
metabolic O2. A key step in closing the loop for ARS will include a
proper CO2 reduction subsystem that is reliable and with low equivalent
system mass (ESM). Sabatier and Bosch CO2 reduction are two traditional
CO2 reduction subsystems (CRS). Although a Sabatier CRS has been
delivered to International Space Station (ISS) and is an important step
toward closing the ISS ARS loop, it recovers only 50% of the available
O2 in CO2. A Bosch CRS is able to reclaim all O2 in CO2. However, due to
continuous carbon deposition on the catalyst surface, the penalties of
replacing spent catalysts and reactors and crew time in a Bosch CRS are
significant. Recently, technologies have been developed for recovering
hydrogen (H2) from Sabatier-product methane (CH4). These include methane
pyrolysis using a microwave plasma, catalytic thermal pyrolysis of CH4
and thermal pyrolysis of CH4. Further, development in Sabatier reactor
designs based on microchannel and microlith technology could open up
opportunities in reducing system mass and enhancing system control.
Improvements in Bosch CRS conversion have also been reported. In
addition, co-electrolysis of steam and CO2 is a new technology that
integrates oxygen generation and CO2 reduction functions in a single
system. A co-electrolysis unit followed by either a Sabatier or a carbon
formation reactor based on Bosch chemistry could improve the overall
competitiveness of an integrated O2 generation and CO2 reduction
subsystem. This study evaluates all these CO2 reduction technologies,
conducts water mass balances for required external supply of water for
1-, 5- and 10-yr missions, evaluates mass, volume, power, cooling and
resupply requirements of various technologies. A system analysis and
comparison among the technologies was made based on ESM, technology
readiness level and reliability. Those technologies with potential were
recommended for development.
|
| NASA Center: |
Johnson Space Center; Marshall Space Flight Center
|
| Publication Date: |
[2011]
|
| Document Source: |
CASI |
| Online Source: |
|
| Available Data: |
Abstract Only |
| Document ID: |
20100039600
|
| Publication Information: |
Number of Pages = 1 |
| Report Number: |
JSC-CN-22075
|
| Meeting Information: |
41st International Conference on Environmental Systems, 17-21 Jul. 2011, Portland, OR, United States |
| Keywords: |
CONSUMABLES (SPACECRAFT); CARBON DIOXIDE; OXYGEN PRODUCTION;
METHANE; HYDROGEN; INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION; REACTOR DESIGN;
RADIOCHEMISTRY; PYROLYSIS; SYSTEMS ANALYSIS; TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT;
WATER BALANCE;
|
| Accessibility: |
Unclassified; Copyright (Distribution as joint owner in the copyright) ; Unlimited; Publicly available; |
| Updated/Added to NTRS: |
2010-12-08 |