Zero-G Spacecraft Refrigeration System Using Air as the Refrigerant

This innovation is a Zero-G Spacecraft Refrigeration that uses air as the refrigerant. It is an innovation because it replaces ozone - destroying and potentially toxic CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon) refrigerants with safe, inert, ordinary air. It also has the capability to recharge itself on-orbit using spacecraft cabin air. It is relevant to the subject subtopic because it provides refrigeration in the required temperature range which is safe, efficient, cost effective, operates in Zero-G, and uses an appropriate working fluid. The objective of Phase I is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of this concept through analyses/trades, preliminary design, and comparison with existing CFC-based and Helium - based systems. The objectives of Phase II are to do detailed design, fabrication and testing of air-based units. A six month effort is proposed. Results of Phase I are expected to show that this concept is feasible and should be pursued into Phase II. This concept is applicable to NASA Zero-G spacecraft food refrigerator/freezers, lab-freezers, freeze dryers, cryogenic storage, biological sample preservation/storage and protein crystal growth experiments on SSF and other NASA Projects for years to come.