Advanced Air Evaporation System with Reusable Wicks for Water Recovery

A microgravity-compatible Advanced Air Evaporation System (AAES) is proposed for recovering nearly 100% of water from highly contaminated wastewater without concern for precipitation of organic and inorganic solids. The AAES incorporates reusable wicks, and heat exchange and thermoelectric heat pump technologies which reduce Equivalent System Mass (ESM) by lowering consumable supplies and energy use when compared to previous air evaporation system designs. AAES will help meet the challenge of improving water loop closure in future water recycling systems as missions venture beyond Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), where higher fractional recovery of water from wastewater resources is needed. Highly contaminated wastewater streams such as urine, hygiene water, and RO brines are major wastewater resource streams for the AAES. The Phase I project will focus on development and characterization of reusable wicks. The Phase II will incorporate heat exchange and thermoelectric heat pump technology into a working prototype whose performance will be thoroughly characterized and delivered to NASA for independent testing. These efforts will increase water recovery, reduce logistics, increase reliability, and lower ESM for water recycling during future space missions beyond LEO.