Closed-Loop CDRA Operation Using a 2-Stage Rotary Sliding Vane Pump: Performance Analysis and Optimization 2002-01-2433

Logistical costs associated with replenishing the International Space Station (ISS) with oxygen can be reduced by closing the air revitalization process loop. The carbon dioxide removal assembly (CDRA) is a part of this air revitalization process, and would require only minimal alteration to effect closed-loop operation. Closed-loop CDRA operation entails interfacing the existing open-loop CDRA configuration to a downstream carbon dioxide reduction system. This interface's requirement is to store and to maintain carbon dioxide feed to the downstream reduction system. Many approaches are available to effect closed-loop CDRA operation, and one economical method is the utilization of its existing 2-stage air-save pump and companion motor controller designs.

This paper focuses on the closed-loop CDRA operational control methods and performance analysis, which utilizes design of experiment tools to optimize the CDRA control parameters.