Space humidity control systems

摘要

Systems and methods utilizing water-vapor-partial-pressure-differential across a chemically-selective membrane to remove water vapor from a habitable spacecraft environment(s). The system preferably utilizes heat from an exothermic CO2 removal process to prevent condensation at the chemically-selective membrane.

主权项

1. A system, relating to assisting removing water vapor from at least one breathable atmosphere within at least one enclosed environment, said system comprising:
a) at least one water-vapor remover structured and arranged to remove the water vapor from at least one airflow derived from the at least one breathable atmosphere; b) wherein said at least one water-vapor remover comprises
i) at least one chemically-selective passage structured and arranged to provide selective passage of the water vapor based on chemical affinity, andii) at least one transport-driver structured and arranged to drive transport of the water vapor across said at least one chemically-selective passage; c) wherein said at least one transport-driver comprises at least one water-vapor-partial-pressure-differential provider structured and arranged to provide at least one water-vapor-partial-pressure differential across said at least one chemically-selective passage; d) wherein said at least one water-vapor-partial-pressure-differential provider comprises at least one exposure pathway structured and arranged to expose said at least one chemically-selective passage to at least one ambient environment external of the at least one enclosed environment; and e) wherein said at least one water-vapor remover is structured and arranged to selectively purge the water vapor from the at least one airflow through said at least one chemically-selective passage to the at least one ambient environment when at least one water-vapor partial pressure of the at least one ambient environment is less than that of the at least one airflow.