OrbHab Paper
ISS: Active Thermal Control System (ATCS) Overview ()
ID: 193 Flag Paper
Title: ISS: Active Thermal Control System (ATCS) Overview
Authors:
Journal Name: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Year of Publication:
Page Number:
Category: technosphere
Availability: pdf
Detail Page: /papers/193
Web Link: https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/473486main_iss_atcs_overview.pdf
BoK Link: [[paper:193]]
Abstract
Most of the Station's many systems produce waste heat, which needs to be transferred from the ISS to space to achieve thermal control and maintain components at acceptable temperatures. An Active Thermal Control System (ATCS) is required to achieve this heat rejection function when the combination of the ISS external environment and the generated heat loads exceeds the capabilities of the Passive Thermal Control System to maintain temperatures. An ATCS uses a mechanically pumped fluid in closed-loop circuits to perform three functions: heat collection, heat transportation, and heat rejection. Waste heat is removed in two ways, through cold plates and heat exchangers, both of which are cooled by a circulating ammonia loops on the outside of the station. The heated ammonia circulates through large radiators located on the exterior of the Space Station, releasing the heat by radiation to space that cools the ammonia as it flows through the radiators.
Title: ISS: Active Thermal Control System (ATCS) Overview
Authors:
Journal Name: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Year of Publication:
Page Number:
Category: technosphere
Availability: pdf
Detail Page: /papers/193
Web Link: https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/473486main_iss_atcs_overview.pdf
BoK Link: [[paper:193]]
Abstract
Most of the Station's many systems produce waste heat, which needs to be transferred from the ISS to space to achieve thermal control and maintain components at acceptable temperatures. An Active Thermal Control System (ATCS) is required to achieve this heat rejection function when the combination of the ISS external environment and the generated heat loads exceeds the capabilities of the Passive Thermal Control System to maintain temperatures. An ATCS uses a mechanically pumped fluid in closed-loop circuits to perform three functions: heat collection, heat transportation, and heat rejection. Waste heat is removed in two ways, through cold plates and heat exchangers, both of which are cooled by a circulating ammonia loops on the outside of the station. The heated ammonia circulates through large radiators located on the exterior of the Space Station, releasing the heat by radiation to space that cools the ammonia as it flows through the radiators.