Solar Water Heater for NASA's Space Station

by Richard E. Somers, REMTECH Inc, United States,
R. Daniel Haynes, REMTECH Inc, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space

Abstract:

This paper describes an investigation of the feasibility of using a solar water heater for NASA's Space Station. During the investigation computer codes were developed to model the Space Station configuration, orbit, and heating systems. Numerous collector geometries, orbit variations, and system options were identified and analyzed. The results indicate that a solar water heater is feasible. It could provide 100 percent of the design heating load and would not have a significant impact on the Space Station overall design. The system would give a 'safe-haven' water heating capability and use only 7 to 10 percent as much electricity as an electric heating system. As a result the photovoltaic array can be reduced by 13 m².

Subject Headings: Space stations | Temperature effects | HVAC | Solar power | Electrical systems | Orbits | Load and resistance factor design

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