USD
GBP
EUR
In the unique outdoor environment, providing occupants with a comfortable experience similar to that indoors is crucial for outdoor space capsules, and creating a suitable temperature and humidity environment is key. This not only affects the comfort of the occupants but also has a significant impact on the normal operation of the equipment inside the capsule and the lifespan of the capsule itself.
High-efficiency heat insulation measures
Selection and application of cabin materials
Superior Insulation Wall Materials: The wall materials of a spacecraft are the first line of defense for thermal insulation. Currently, many spacecraft use polyurethane sandwich panels as their wall material. Polyurethane has an extremely low thermal conductivity, typically between 0.02 and 0.025 W/(m·K), which is dozens of times better than traditional building materials such as red brick (thermal conductivity approximately 0.5 to 0.7 W/(m·K)). This material effectively prevents heat transfer, blocking high temperatures from entering the cabin during hot summers and preventing heat loss during cold winters. For example, during the hottest periods of summer, the temperature inside a spacecraft using polyurethane sandwich panels can be 5-8°C lower than the outside temperature, significantly reducing the cooling load on the air conditioning system.
High-performance window and door glass: Window and door glass also plays a crucial role in the thermal insulation of spacecraft. Using double or triple-pane insulated glass, filled with an inert gas (such as argon), significantly improves the glass's thermal insulation performance. The air or inert gas layer in insulated glass effectively prevents heat conduction and convection, improving insulation by approximately 30%-50% compared to ordinary single-pane glass. Simultaneously, coating the glass surface with a low-emissivity (Low-E) film reflects infrared radiation from both inside and outside, further reducing heat transfer. For example, spacecraft equipped with Low-E insulated glass can effectively maintain indoor temperature in winter, reducing heating energy consumption; and in summer, it blocks solar radiation heat from entering the cabin, reducing air conditioning power consumption.
Thermal insulation structure design optimization
A suitable cabin shape and orientation: The shape and orientation of a spacecraft have a significant impact on its thermal insulation performance. Generally, spherical or elliptical spacecraft have advantages in reducing heat absorption. These shapes have a relatively small surface area, reducing the area for heat exchange with the external environment. Simultaneously, a well-designed cabin orientation maximizes sunlight reception in winter, increasing solar energy absorption, while minimizing direct sunlight in summer to reduce solar radiation. For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, orienting the main light-receiving surface of the spacecraft due south allows for full utilization of sunlight to raise the internal temperature in winter, while shading measures reduce sunlight exposure and keep the interior cool in summer.
Application of thermal break technology: In the structural design of spacecraft, the use of thermal break technology can effectively avoid the thermal bridging effect. Thermal bridging refers to the phenomenon where, due to differences in the thermal conductivity of different materials within the cabin structure, heat can easily and rapidly transfer through certain areas, leading to heat loss or increased thermal activity. By installing thermal break technology in areas prone to thermal bridging, such as metal frames, and by using high-insulation plastic or rubber materials to connect metal components, the heat transfer path can be interrupted, improving the overall thermal insulation performance of the cabin. Tests have shown that spacecraft employing thermal break technology can reduce heat loss by 15% - 20%.
Precise temperature control system
Configuration and operation of high-efficiency air conditioning systems
Choosing an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner: To achieve precise temperature control within the spacecraft, selecting a highly efficient and energy-saving air conditioning system is crucial. Currently, inverter air conditioners are widely used in spacecraft. Inverter air conditioners intelligently adjust the compressor speed, automatically adjusting cooling or heating power according to changes in cabin temperature, saving 30%-40% more energy compared to fixed-frequency air conditioners. For example, in summer, when the cabin temperature approaches the set temperature, the inverter air conditioner compressor speed decreases, reducing cooling power to maintain a stable cabin temperature, avoiding the increased energy consumption and temperature fluctuations caused by frequent start-stop cycles of fixed-frequency air conditioners.
Intelligent Control of the Air Conditioning System: Employing an intelligent control system to manage the air conditioning system further improves the accuracy of temperature regulation and energy efficiency. The intelligent control system can achieve zoned control based on the temperature requirements of different areas within the space capsule. For example, different temperature setpoints can be set for the living and sleeping areas to meet the comfort needs of residents in different activity states. Simultaneously, by monitoring parameters such as cabin temperature, humidity, and external ambient temperature in real time through sensors, the air conditioning system can automatically adjust its operating mode and parameters to ensure that the cabin temperature is always maintained within a comfortable range. For instance, when the outside temperature suddenly rises, the intelligent control system can promptly adjust the cooling capacity of the air conditioning to quickly lower the cabin temperature and provide a comfortable living environment.
Synergistic effect of auxiliary heating and ventilation systems
Application of auxiliary heating equipment: In cold seasons or regions, relying solely on air conditioning may not meet the heating needs of a spacecraft, making auxiliary heating equipment particularly important. Electric heaters and water-based heating systems are common auxiliary heating devices. Electric heaters offer advantages such as rapid heating and flexibility, quickly raising the local temperature within the cabin. Water-based heating systems, on the other hand, circulate hot water through pipes to achieve uniform heating, providing stable and comfortable heating. For example, in some outdoor spacecraft in northern regions, installing a water-based heating system as the primary heating method, combined with electric heaters for supplementary heating in localized areas, effectively copes with frigid weather and ensures a warm and comfortable cabin.
Ventilation system optimization: A good ventilation system not only regulates cabin air quality but also plays a supporting role in temperature control. In summer, introducing cool outside air and expelling hot air from the cabin through the ventilation system can lower the cabin temperature and reduce the use of air conditioning time and energy consumption. In winter, properly controlling the ventilation volume prevents excessive cold air from entering the cabin and causing heat loss, while ensuring the freshness of the cabin air. For example, using an intelligent ventilation control system can automatically adjust the operation of ventilation equipment based on parameters such as cabin temperature, humidity, and air quality, achieving synergistic optimization of ventilation and temperature regulation.
Scientific methods of humidity control
Humidity Monitoring and Control System
Application of high-precision humidity sensors: To achieve precise humidity control within the spacecraft, accurate monitoring of humidity changes is essential. Installing high-precision humidity sensors inside the spacecraft allows for real-time measurement of humidity levels and transmits the data to the control system. Currently, humidity sensors on the market offer accuracies of ±2% - ±3% RH, meeting the humidity monitoring requirements of spacecraft. For example, when the humidity inside the spacecraft exceeds the comfortable range (typically 40% - 60% RH), the humidity sensor can promptly send a signal back to the control system, activating the appropriate humidity control equipment.
Intelligent humidity control algorithm: The control system uses intelligent control algorithms to control humidity regulating equipment based on data feedback from humidity sensors. Common control algorithms include PID control algorithms, which precisely adjust parameters such as the operating time and power of devices like humidifiers and dehumidifiers to maintain the humidity inside the cabin within a set comfortable range. For example, when the humidity inside the cabin is below 40% RH, the control system automatically starts the humidifier, adjusts the humidification output according to the humidity deviation, and automatically stops humidifying when the humidity reaches the set value, achieving precise humidity control.
Proper use of humidifiers and dehumidifiers
Humidifier Selection and Use: In dry environments, humidifiers can increase the humidity inside the capsule, improving comfort. Choose a humidifier with appropriate power based on the size of the capsule and its humidity requirements. For example, for small capsules, an ultrasonic humidifier with a power between 100-300W can be used. This humidifier uses high-frequency oscillation to atomize water into tiny particles, evenly distributing them in the air to increase humidity. When using a humidifier, it's important to clean it regularly to prevent bacterial growth and maintain air quality. Additionally, using an intelligent control system that automatically adjusts the humidifier's operation based on changes in cabin humidity can prevent over-humidification and excessively high humidity levels.
Dehumidifier Configuration and Operation: In humid environments, dehumidifiers are crucial for humidity control. Spacecraft typically use either condenser dehumidifiers or rotary dehumidifiers. Condenser dehumidifiers cool the air below the dew point temperature using a refrigeration system, causing water vapor to condense and be discharged, thus reducing humidity. Rotary dehumidifiers use a moisture-absorbing wheel to adsorb moisture from the air, and a regeneration system removes the moisture from the wheel, achieving continuous dehumidification. The power and number of dehumidifiers should be configured appropriately based on the humidity levels of the spacecraft's environment. For example, during the rainy season in southern regions, when humidity is high, the dehumidifier's operating time and power can be increased to ensure the humidity inside the cabin remains within a comfortable range, preventing problems such as mold growth on items and rust on metal parts due to excessive humidity.
Outdoor space capsules, through efficient thermal insulation, precise temperature control systems, and scientific humidity regulation, can create a comfortable living environment. The integrated application of these technologies and measures not only enhances the occupant's experience but also provides strong support for the widespread application of outdoor space capsules in various environments. With continuous technological advancements, more advanced technologies will be applied to the temperature and humidity regulation of outdoor space capsules in the future, further improving their comfort and energy efficiency.