Gas reconditioning systems

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/026,841, filed Feb. 7, 2008, entitled “Metabolic heat regenerated Temperature Swing Adsorption (MTSA)”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Some embodiments of this invention were developed with United States Government support under NNJO6HA98C awarded by The National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Government may have certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to providing a system for improved gas reconditioning relating to human respiration. More particularly this invention relates to providing a system for reconditioning cycled air in contained environments. In hostile environments, such as in space or on celestial bodies without a breathable atmosphere, it is required to provide a contained space in which a person may receive life support.

In highly remote hostile environments, it is desirable to use a regeneratable gas reconditioning system rather than a non-regeneratable consumable gas reconditioning system. Consumables are difficult to replace, and add to the weight that must be launched from Earth, increasing expense. However, any regeneratable gas reconditioning system also uses materials and energy in the regeneration process, which also add weight and expense when launched from Earth. Therefore, a gas reconditioning system is needed that is regeneratable and consumes less materials required to be launched from Earth.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a gas reconditioning system overcoming the above-mentioned problem.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a gas reconditioning system that is regeneratable.

Another primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a gas reconditioning system that ejects only waste materials native to the remote hostile environment.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a gas reconditioning system that recycles heat.

It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a gas reconditioning system that recycles water.

Another primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a gas reconditioning system, which in it regeneration cycle, uses materials readily available in a remote hostile environment.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a gas reconditioning system that operates using less consumable materials launched from Earth.

A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a system, relating to human respiration in extraterrestrial environments, comprising: at least one expiration-breath holder adapted to hold expired breath; at least one expiration-breath cooler adapted to cool the expired breath; at least one gas-impermeable separator adapted to separate such at least one expiration-breath holder from such at least one expiration-breath cooler; at least one thermal conductor adapted to assist thermal conductivity between such expired breath and such at least one expiration-breath cooler; and wherein such at least one expiration-breath holder comprises at least one moisture capturer adapted to capture moisture from such expired breath as such expired breath is cooled by such at least one expiration-breath cooler, assisting formation of cooled, de-humidified expired breath; at least one moisture holder adapted to hold moisture captured by such at least one moisture capturer; at least one inspiration-breath holder adapted to hold portions of such expired breath desired to be included in inspiration breath; at least one inspiration-breath warmer adapted to warm such portions of such expired breath prior to inspiration; and at least one re-humidifier adapted to re-humidify such portions of such expired breath; Wherein such at least one re-humidifier comprises at least one moisture returner adapted to return the captured moisture from such at least one moisture capture to such portions of such expired breath, assisting formation of warmed humidified such portions to include in such inspiration breath.

Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one expiration-breath cooler comprises such cooled, de-humidified expired breath. Additionally, it provides such a system further comprising: at least one breathable gas storer adapted to store breathable gas; and at least one breathable gas mixer adapted to mix breathable gas from such at least one breathable gas storer with such warmed humidified portions.

Also, it provides such a system further comprising at least one carbon dioxide adsorber adapted to adsorb carbon dioxide from such cooled, de-humidified expired breath. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one carbon dioxide adsorber comprises at least one sorbent adapted to adsorb and/or desorb carbon dioxide, the mode correlating with temperature of such at least one sorbent. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one sorbent comprises at least one desorber adapted to desorbing carbon dioxide into the environment to re-prepare such at least one sorbent for re-use as such carbon dioxide adsorber. And, it provides such a system wherein such desorber uses thermal transfer from warmth of such expired breath to attain at least one desorbing condition.

Further, it provides such a system further comprising at least one further cooler adapted to further cool such cooled, de-humidified expired breath. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one further cooler comprises liquid carbon dioxide. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such liquid carbon dioxide comprises such at least one carbon dioxide adsorber.

Additionally, it provides such a system further comprising: at least one extraterrestrial body suit adapted to extraterrestrial body protection; and at least one suit cooler adapted to cool body-heat suit warming; wherein such at least one suit cooler comprises such liquid carbon dioxide.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a method, relating to human respiration in extraterrestrial environments, comprising the steps of: collecting and holding expired breath; cooling such expired breath using at least one expired-breath cooler; gas-impermeably separating such expired breath from such at least one expired-breath cooler; assisting thermal conductivity between such expired breath and such at least one expired-breath cooler; capturing moisture from such expired breath as such expired breath is cooled by such at least one expired-breath cooler, assisting formation of cooled, de-humidified expired breath; holding such captured moisture; holding portions of such expired breath desired to be included in inspiration breath; warming such portions of such expired breath prior to inspiration; and re-humidifying, with such captured moisture, such portions of such expired breath to form warmed humidified such portions to include in such inspiration breath.

Also, it provides such a method wherein such at least one expired-breath cooler comprises such cooled, de-humidified expired breath. In addition, it provides such a method further comprising the steps of: storing breathable gas; and mixing such breathable gas with such warmed humidified portions prior to inspiration. And, it provides such a method further comprising adsorbing carbon dioxide from such cooled, de-humidified expired breath. Additionally, it provides such a method wherein such adsorbing utilizes at least one sorbent adapted to adsorb and/or desorb carbon dioxide, the mode correlating with temperature of such at least one sorbent.

Further, it provides such a method further comprising desorbing carbon dioxide into the environment to re-prepare such at least one sorbent for re-use in such adsorbing. Even further, it provides such a method Wherein such desorbing utilizes thermal transfer from warmth of such expired breath to attain at least one desorbing condition. Moreover, it provides such a method further comprising further cooling such cooled, de-humidified expired breath. Additionally, it provides such a method wherein such further cooling utilizes liquid carbon dioxide. Also, it provides such a method wherein such adsorbing utilizes such liquid carbon dioxide. In addition, it provides such a method further comprising protecting at least one body in at least one extraterrestrial suit; and cooling body-heat warming such at least one extraterrestrial suit; wherein such cooling utilizes such liquid carbon dioxide.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a system, relating to human respiration in extraterrestrial environments, comprising: expiration-breath holder means for holding expired breath; expiration-breath cooler means for cooling the expired breath; gas-impermeable separation means for separating such expiration-breath holder means from such expiration-breath cooler means; thermal conductor means for assisting thermal conductivity between such expired breath and such expiration-breath cooler means; wherein such expiration-breath holder means comprises moisture capturer means for capturing moisture from such expired breath as such expired breath is cooled by such expiration-breath cooler means, assisting formation of cooled, de-humidified expired breath; moisture holder means for holding moisture captured by such moisture capturer means; inspiration-breath holder means for holding portions of such expired breath desired to be included in inspiration breath; inspiration-breath warming means for warming such portions of such expired breath prior to inspiration; and re-humidifier means for re-humidifying such portions of such expired breath; wherein such re-humidifier means comprises moisture returning means for returning the captured moisture from such moisture capturer means to such portions of such expired breath to form warmed, humidified such portions for inclusion in such inspiration breath.

And, it provides such a system wherein such expiration-breath cooler means comprises such cooled, de-humidified expired breath. Further, it provides such a system further comprising: breathable gas storage means for storing breathable gas; and breathable gas mixing means for mixing breathable gas from such breathable gas storage means with such warmed, humidified portions.

Even further, it provides such a system further comprising carbon dioxide adsorber means for adsorbing carbon dioxide from such cooled, de-humidified expired breath. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such carbon dioxide adsorber means comprises sorbent means for adsorbing and/or desorbing carbon dioxide, the mode correlating with sorbent temperature. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such sorbent means comprises desorber means for desorbing carbon dioxide into the environment to re-prepare such sorbent means for re-use as such adsorber means. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such desorber means uses thermal transfer from warmth of such expired breath to attain at least one desorbing condition.

Even further, it provides such a system further comprising further cooling means for further cooling such cooled, de-humidified expired breath. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such further cooling means comprises liquid carbon dioxide. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such liquid carbon dioxide comprises such carbon dioxide adsorber means. Even further, it provides such a system further comprising: extraterrestrial body suit means for extraterrestrial body protection; and suit cooling means for cooling body-heat suit warming; wherein such suit cooling means comprises such liquid carbon dioxide.

And it provides for each and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating at least one environmental conditioning cycle of at least one contained environment in at least one gas reconditioning system, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating at least one water extraction stage of at least one respiration conditioning cycle, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating at least one recuperative heat stage of the respiration conditioning cycle, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating at least one gas scrubbing stage of the respiration conditioning cycle, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating at least one resupply stage of the respiration conditioning cycle, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating at least one coolant use process of the environmental conditioning cycle, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> shows a graph view, illustrating a thermodynamic loading cycle of at least one sorbent bed, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> shows a graph view, illustrating at least two sorbent beds each following the thermodynamic loading cycle, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows a perspective view, illustrating a metabolic heat regenerated temperature swing adsorption module of the respiration conditioning cycle, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows a perspective cutaway view, illustrating a sorbent bed of the metabolic heat regenerated temperature swing adsorption module of the respiration conditioning cycle, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating at least one environmental conditioning cycle <b>190</b> of at least one contained environment <b>110</b> in at least one gas reconditioning system <b>100</b>, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Gas reconditioning system <b>100</b> preferably reconditions respirated gases <b>125</b> contained in contained environment <b>110</b>, as shown.

Gas reconditioning system <b>100</b> preferably comprises embodiment <b>102</b>, as shown. In embodiment <b>102</b>, contained environment <b>110</b> preferably comprises, as shown, conditioned liquid cooling and ventilation garment <b>115</b> and preferably at least one conditioning pack <b>130</b>, preferably portable. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, environmental limitations, etc., other contained environments, such as, for example, habitation modules, vehicles, etc., may suffice.

Liquid cooling and ventilation garment <b>115</b> preferably comprises, as shown, at least one respiration chamber <b>120</b>, preferably at least one helmet <b>140</b>, preferably designed to contain gases for the purpose of respiration. Respirated gases <b>125</b> are preferably collected and preferably reconditioned into reconditioned gases <b>127</b> in respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b>, as shown.

Liquid cooling and ventilation garment <b>115</b> preferably further comprises at least one thermally regulated chamber <b>150</b>, preferably comprising at least one bodysuit <b>160</b> (at least embodying herein at least one extraterrestrial body suit adapted to extraterrestrial body protection; and at least embodying herein protecting at least one body in at least one extraterrestrial suit), as shown. Thermally regulated chamber <b>150</b> preferably comprises at least one thermal conditioning cycle <b>300</b>, as shown, preferably circulating at least one thermal conditioning fluid <b>310</b>.

Respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b> preferably comprises at least one respiration-conditioning loop <b>201</b>. Thermal conditioning cycle <b>300</b> preferably comprises at least one thermal conditioning loop <b>301</b>. Respiration conditioning loop <b>201</b> and thermal conditioning loop <b>301</b> are preferably contained within conditioning pack <b>130</b>. Conditioning pack <b>130</b> is preferably sized appropriate to contained environment <b>110</b>. In embodiment <b>102</b>, conditioning pack <b>130</b> preferably sized to be carried on liquid cooling and ventilation garment <b>115</b>, as shown.

Respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b> preferably comprises, as shown, at least one water extraction stage <b>220</b>, at least one heat recuperation stage <b>240</b>, at least one gas scrubbing stage <b>260</b>, at least one resupply stage <b>280</b>, and at least one coolant use process <b>320</b>. Additionally, thermal conditioning cycle <b>300</b> preferably utilizes coolant use process <b>320</b> and preferably is utilized by resupply stage <b>280</b>, as shown.

Respiration conditioning loop <b>201</b> receives respirated gases <b>125</b> from respirations chamber <b>120</b> through respiration exhaust <b>204</b> (at least embodying herein at least one expiration-breath holder adapted to hold expired breath; and at least embodying herein collecting and holding expired breath; and at least embodying herein expiration-breath holder means for holding expired breath). After passing through respiration conditioning loop <b>201</b> and undergoing each stage of respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b>, reconditioned gases <b>127</b> preferably returns from respiration conditioning loop <b>201</b> through return line <b>206</b> (at least embodying herein at least one inspiration-breath holder adapted to hold portions of such expired breath desired to be included in inspiration breath; and at least embodying herein holding portions of such expired breath desired to be included in inspiration breath; and at least embodying herein inspiration-breath holder means for holding portions of such expired breath desired to be included in inspiration breath).

Embodiment <b>102</b> is preferably used, as shown, in at least one external environment <b>350</b> comprising at least one carbon-dioxide-rich environment, preferably Mars. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, manned-space flight reach, etc., other external environments, such as, for example, Io, Earth's Moon, an asteroid, space, other carbon-dioxide-rich environments, etc., may suffice.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating water extraction stage <b>220</b> of respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b>, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

At least one air bearing fan <b>210</b> preferably circulates gases through respiration conditioning loop <b>201</b>, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technologies, pressure variations, costs, etc., other gas circulators, such as, for example, pumps, movement assisted valves, other fans, etc., may suffice.

At least one metabolic heat regenerated temperature swing adsorption module <b>230</b> (MTSA module) preferably comprises, as shown, at least one sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b>, at least one heat exchanger <b>232</b> and at least one heat exchanger <b>238</b>. Sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b> preferably contains at least one sorbent bed <b>236</b>.

Further, metabolic heat regenerated temperature swing adsorption module <b>230</b> preferably comprises at least two modes of operation, preferably desorption mode, denoted as desorbing MTSA module <b>231</b>, as shown and preferably adsorption mode, denoted as adsorbing MTSA module <b>233</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). At least two metabolic heat regenerated temperature swing adsorption modules <b>230</b> are required for continuous operation (see discussion of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref>), one desorbing MTSA module <b>231</b>, and one adsorbing MTSA module <b>233</b>.

Respirated gases <b>125</b> are passed to desorbing MTSA module <b>231</b>, as shown. Sorbent bed <b>236</b> (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one sorbent comprises at least one desorber adapted to desorbing carbon dioxide into the environment to re-prepare such at least one sorbent for re-use as such carbon dioxide adsorber) in desorbing MTSA module <b>231</b> releases quantities of carbon dioxide gas <b>237</b>, as shown. Further discussion of metabolic heat regenerated temperature swing adsorption module <b>230</b> may be found in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A through 9</figref>.

Respirated gases <b>125</b> from respiration chamber <b>120</b> comprise warm moist carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>225</b>, as shown. Warm moist carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>225</b> preferably warm sorbent bed <b>236</b> in desorbing MTSA module <b>231</b> (at least embodying herein at least one expiration-breath cooler adapted to cool the expired breath; and at least embodying herein cooling such expired breath using at least one expired-breath cooler; and at least embodying herein expiration-breath cooler means for cooling the expired breath), preferably to desorption temperature <b>205</b>, preferably via heat exchanger <b>232</b> using heat exchange <b>227</b>, as shown. Heat exchanger <b>232</b> preferably comprises, as shown, at least one condensing heat exchanger, preferably at least one condensing ice heat exchanger. Heat exchange <b>227</b> preferably occurs through at least one gas impermeable barrier <b>229</b> (at least embodying herein at least one gas-impermeable separator adapted to separate such at least one expiration-breath holder from such at least one expiration-breath cooler; and at least embodying herein gas-impermeable separation means for separating such expiration-breath holder means from such expiration-breath cooler means; and at least embodying herein gas-impermeably separating such expired breath from such at least one expired-breath cooler), as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, operation temperatures, etc., other heat exchangers may suffice.

Heat exchange <b>227</b> preferably causes desorption, from sorbent bed <b>236</b>, of carbon dioxide gas <b>237</b>, as shown. Carbon dioxide gas <b>237</b> is preferably removed from respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b>, preferably released to external environment <b>350</b> through at least one exhaust <b>235</b> (at least embodying herein desorbing carbon dioxide into the environment to re-prepare such at least one sorbent for re-use in such adsorbing), as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, environment conditions, etc., other carbon dioxide removal methods, such as, for example, storage, sequestration, etc., may suffice.

Heat exchange <b>227</b> preferably comprises transfer of heat from particles of warm moist carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>225</b>. Further, heat exchange <b>227</b> preferably comprises transfer of heat front water condensation out of warm moist carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>225</b>, as shown. Heat exchange <b>227</b> (at least herein embodying wherein such desorber uses thermal transfer from warmth of such expired breath to attain at least one desorbing condition; and at least herein embodying wherein such desorbing utilizes thermal transfer from warmth of such expired breath to attain at least one desorbing condition) preferably transfers heat required to desorb carbon dioxide gas <b>237</b>, as shown, cooling warm moist carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>225</b>.

Water condensation from warm moist carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>225</b> initially forms ice in heat exchanger <b>232</b> (at least embodying herein capturing moisture from such expired breath as such expired breath is cooled by such at least one expired-breath cooler, assisting formation of cooled, de-humidified expired breath; and at least herein embodying wherein such at least one expiration-breath holder comprises at least one moisture capturer adapted to capture moisture from such expired breath as such expired breath is cooled by such at least one expiration-breath cooler, assisting formation of cooled, de-humidified expired breath; and at least herein embodying wherein such expiration-breath holder means comprises moisture capturer means for capturing moisture from such expired breath as such expired breath is cooled by such expiration-breath cooler means, assisting formation of cooled, de-humidified expired breath), during heat exchange <b>227</b>. Once sorbent bed <b>236</b> reaches desorption temperature <b>205</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>), the ice preferably melts forming water <b>215</b>, as shown. Water <b>215</b> is preferably gravity fed, preferably through feed line <b>288</b>. At least one feedwater accumulator <b>282</b> preferably collects water <b>215</b>, as shown, preferably from feed line <b>288</b> through at least one check valve <b>283</b>. Water <b>215</b> is preferably injected into thermal conditioning loop <b>301</b> (at least embodying herein at least one moisture holder adapted to hold moisture captured by such at least one moisture capturer; and at least embodying herein holding such captured moisture; and at least embodying herein moisture holder means for holding moisture captured by such moisture capturer means), as shown. Water <b>215</b> is preferably collected for later recycling. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, environmental limitations, etc., other water collectors, such as, for example, water-impermeable membranes, reversible chemical reactions, etc., may suffice.

Any remaining water vapor from warm moist carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>225</b>, not removed in heat exchanger <b>232</b>, is preferably removed by at least one desiccant <b>223</b>, as shown. Desiccant <b>223</b> preferably comprises at least one silica gel bed. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, system limitations, etc., other desiccants, such as, for example, aerogel, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, montmorillonite clay, molecular sieves, etc., may suffice.

Passing through heat exchanger <b>232</b> and desiccant <b>223</b> preferably removes water vapor from and cools warm moist carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>225</b> to form cooler dry carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>226</b>, as shown. Cooler dry carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>226</b> then pass into heat recuperation stage <b>240</b>, as shown.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating heat recuperation stage <b>240</b> of respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b>, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. To conserve liquid coolant <b>264</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>), heat recuperation stage <b>240</b> preferably utilizes at least one recuperative heat exchange <b>255</b> in at least one recuperative heat exchanger <b>250</b>, as shown.

Recuperative heat exchange <b>255</b> preferably exchanges heat across at least one gas impermeable barrier <b>257</b>, as shown. Cooler dry carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>226</b> preferably passes through recuperative heat exchanger <b>250</b>, preferably surrendering, heat in recuperative heat exchange <b>255</b>, becoming cool dry carbon-dioxide-laden gas <b>242</b>. Cool dry carbon-dioxide-laden gas <b>242</b> preferably proceeds to gas scrubbing stage <b>260</b>.

Cold dry scrubbed gas <b>244</b>, returning from gas scrubbing stage <b>260</b>, preferably passes through recuperative heat exchanger <b>250</b>. Cold dry scrubbed gas <b>244</b> preferably gathers surrendered heat in recuperative heat exchange <b>255</b> becoming warmer dry scrubbed gas <b>246</b>. Warmer dry scrubbed gas <b>246</b> preferably proceeds to resupply stage <b>280</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating gas scrubbing stage <b>260</b> of respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b>, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Gas scrubbing stage <b>260</b> preferably intakes cool dry carbon-dioxide-laden gas <b>242</b>, preferably scrubs the carbon dioxide and preferably produces cold dry scrubbed gas <b>244</b>, as shown. Gas scrubbing stage <b>260</b> uses sorbent bed <b>236</b> (at least embodying herein adsorbing carbon dioxide from such cooled, de-humidified expired breath; and at least embodying herein at least one carbon dioxide adsorber adapted to adsorb carbon dioxide from such cooled, de-humidified expired breath), in adsorbing MTSA module <b>233</b>, at adsorption temperature <b>268</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>) to trap carbon dioxide for later desorption as carbon dioxide gas <b>237</b>.

Adsorbing MTSA module <b>233</b> preferably comprises at least one sublimation heat exchange <b>265</b> and preferably at least one coolant-superheating heat exchange <b>275</b>, as shown. Sublimation heat exchange <b>265</b> preferably comprises liquid coolant <b>264</b> changing phase from liquid state to solid, preferably in isenthalpic expansion, then to vapor, preferably in isothermal sublimation. Coolant-superheating heat exchange <b>275</b> preferably superheats, preferably in isobaric warming, vapor resulting from sublimation heat exchange <b>265</b>. Both sublimation heat exchange <b>265</b> and coolant-superheating heat exchange <b>275</b> preferably occur between heat exchanger <b>238</b> and sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b> preferably across at least one gas impermeable barrier <b>270</b>, as shown.

Cool dry carbon-dioxide-laden gas <b>242</b> preferably enters adsorbing MTSA module <b>233</b> (at least herein embodying wherein such liquid carbon dioxide comprises such at least one carbon dioxide adsorber; and at least herein embodying wherein such adsorbing utilizes such liquid carbon dioxide) and preferably transfers heat in coolant-superheating heat exchange <b>275</b>, thereby cooling to adsorption temperature <b>268</b>. As carbon dioxide adsorption occurs, heat is released and preferably removed from sorbent bed <b>236</b> in vaporizing heat exchange <b>265</b>. Adsorption of carbon dioxide from cool dry carbon-dioxide-laden gas <b>242</b> and related cooling from coolant-superheating heat exchange <b>275</b> (at least embodying herein at least one further cooler adapted to further cool such cooled, de-humidified expired breath; and at least embodying herein further cooling such cooled, de-humidified expired breath) and sublimation heat exchange <b>265</b> produce cold dry scrubbed gas <b>244</b>, as shown. Cold dry scrubbed gas <b>244</b> preferably feeds into heat recuperation stage <b>240</b>, as shown, and is warmed as described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

Liquid coolant <b>264</b> preferably feeds into heat exchanger <b>238</b>, through liquid coolant line <b>274</b>, from liquid coolant supply <b>322</b>. Following sublimation heat exchange <b>265</b> and coolant-superheating heat exchange <b>275</b> (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one further cooler comprises liquid carbon dioxide; and at least herein embodying wherein such further cooling utilizes liquid carbon dioxide), liquid coolant <b>264</b> becomes superheated coolant <b>262</b>, as shown. Superheated coolant <b>262</b> is preferably further used in coolant use process <b>320</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>).

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating resupply stage <b>280</b> of respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b>, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Resupply stage <b>280</b> preferably rehydrates, warms and resupplies oxygen to warmer dry scrubbed gas <b>246</b> making warmed reconditioned gas <b>287</b>, as shown. Warmed reconditioned gas <b>287</b> comprises reconditioned gases <b>127</b> fed back to respiration chamber <b>120</b>, as shown.

Warmer dry scrubbed gas <b>246</b>, having been warmed in heat recuperation stage <b>240</b>, is preferably further warmed and humidified, preferably in heat exchanger <b>290</b>, as shown. At least one heat exchange <b>285</b> preferably is between warmer dry scrubbed gas <b>246</b> and thermal conditioning cycle <b>300</b>, as shown. Heat exchange <b>285</b> (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one re-humidifier comprises at least one moisture returner adapted to return the captured moisture from such at least one moisture capture to such portions of such expired breath, assisting formation of warmed humidified such portions to include in such inspiration breath; and at least herein embodying wherein such re-humidifier means comprises moisture returning means for returning the captured moisture horn such moisture captures means to such portions of such expired breath to form warmed, humidified such portions for inclusion in such inspiration breath) preferably also allows humidification <b>286</b> of warmer dry scrubbed gas <b>246</b>, as shown. Humidification <b>286</b> preferably proceeds at a water addition rate of about 60 grams/hour. Warmer dry scrubbed gas <b>246</b>, through heat exchange <b>285</b> (at least embodying herein at least one inspiration-breath warmer adapted to warm such portions of such expired breath prior to inspiration; and at least embodying herein inspiration-breath warming means for warming such portions of such expired breath prior to inspiration; and at least embodying herein warming such portions of such expired breath prior to inspiration), receives heat and humidity from thermal conditioning cycle <b>300</b>, as shown, becoming warmed rehydrated gas <b>298</b>.

Water <b>215</b> from water extraction stage <b>220</b> is preferably recycled into thermal conditioning cycle <b>300</b>, preferably using feedwater accumulator <b>282</b>, as shown. Check valve <b>283</b> preferably prevents back flow of water <b>215</b> into feed line <b>288</b>, as shown. Circulation pump <b>284</b> preferably maintains circulation of thermal conditioning fluid <b>310</b> in thermal conditioning cycle <b>300</b>, preferably including through heat exchanger <b>290</b>, as shown. At least one oxygen subsystem <b>296</b> preferably resupplies oxygen into warmed rehydrated gas <b>298</b>, in respiration conditioning loop <b>201</b> (at least embodying herein at least one breathable gas mixer adapted to mix breathable gas from such at least one breathable gas storer with such warmed humidified portions; and at least embodying herein mixing such breathable gas with such warmed humidified portions prior to inspiration), to form warmed reconditioned gas <b>287</b>, as shown. Oxygen subsystem <b>296</b> preferably comprises at least one primary oxygen subsystem <b>294</b> and at least one secondary oxygen subsystem <b>292</b>, as shown. After oxygen is replenished by oxygen subsystem <b>296</b> (at least embodying herein at least one breathable gas storer adapted to store breathable gas; and at least embodying herein storing breathable gas), temperature of warmed reconditioned gas <b>287</b> entering contained environment <b>110</b> preferably comprises between about 277 K (“K” is the International System of Units (“SI”) symbol for a unit increment of temperature on the Kelvin scale) and about 305 K, with a dew point preferably comprising between about 272 K and about 283 K.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a diagrammatic view, illustrating at least one coolant use process <b>320</b> of environmental conditioning cycle <b>190</b>, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. In embodiment <b>102</b>, liquid coolant <b>264</b> preferably comprises liquid carbon dioxide, as shown. Liquid coolant <b>264</b> is preferably stored in at least one liquid coolant supply <b>322</b>, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, external environments, etc., other coolants, such as, for example, methane, oxygen, helium, glycerine, etc., may suffice.

Liquid coolant <b>264</b> preferably feeds, as shown, to gas scrubbing stage <b>260</b> in order to cool sorbent bed <b>236</b> as described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. Superheated coolant <b>262</b> preferably returns from gas scrubbing stage <b>260</b> in coolant feed line <b>272</b>, as shown.

Superheated coolant <b>262</b> preferably passes through at least one heat exchanger <b>326</b>, preferably to use any remaining cooling power, prior to being exhausted to external environment <b>350</b>, as shown. Liquid coolant <b>264</b> preferably additionally directly feeds at least one heat exchanger <b>324</b>, as needed by thermal conditioning cycle <b>300</b>.

Thermal conditioning cycle <b>300</b> preferably utilizes heat exchanger <b>290</b>, heat exchanger <b>326</b> and heat exchanger <b>324</b> (at least embodying herein at least one suit cooler adapted to cool body-heat suit warming; and at least embodying herein cooling body-heat warming such at least one extraterrestrial suit), preferably to maintain temperature of thermally regulated chamber <b>150</b>, as shown. Heat exchanger <b>326</b> preferably comprises heat exchange <b>330</b> across at least one gas impermeable barrier <b>340</b>, as shown. Likewise, Heat exchanger <b>324</b> preferably comprises heat exchange <b>335</b> across at least one gas impermeable barrier <b>345</b>, as shown.

Heat exchanger <b>290</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) preferably allows recycling of heat from thermal conditioning cycle <b>300</b> prior to using liquid coolant <b>264</b> and superheated coolant <b>262</b>, as shown. Next, heat exchange <b>330</b> preferably further uses superheated coolant <b>262</b> for further cooling of thermal conditioning fluid <b>310</b>, as shown. Only when further cooling is needed, heat exchange <b>335</b> preferably uses liquid coolant <b>264</b> to cool thermal conditioning fluid, as shown. Heat exchange <b>330</b> and heat exchange <b>335</b> (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one suit cooler comprises such liquid carbon dioxide; and at least herein embodying wherein such cooling utilizes such liquid carbon dioxide) preferably form hot waste coolant <b>328</b>, which is preferably exhausted to environment <b>350</b>, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, environmental limitations, etc., other heat exchanges for thermal conditioning, such as, for example, thermo-electric, chemical reactions, etc., may suffice.

Coolant-superheating heat exchange <b>275</b>, sublimation heat exchange <b>265</b>, heat exchange <b>330</b> and heat exchange <b>335</b> preferably use gas impermeable barriers to prevent contamination of hot waste coolant <b>328</b>, where hot waste coolant <b>328</b> exhausts to external environment <b>350</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> shows a graph view, illustrating at least one thermodynamic loading cycle <b>500</b> of sorbent bed <b>236</b>, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Thermodynamic loading cycle <b>500</b> preferably comprises, as shown, at least one sorbent bed cooling <b>538</b>, at least one adsorption <b>530</b>, at least one adsorption to desorption changeover <b>532</b>, at least one warming <b>534</b>, and at least one final desorption <b>536</b>.

Sorbent bed cooling <b>538</b> preferably comprises cooling sorbent bed <b>236</b>, using liquid coolant <b>264</b>, from desorption temperature <b>205</b> to adsorption temperature <b>268</b>, as shown. In embodiment <b>102</b>, desorption temperature <b>205</b> preferably comprises between about 270 K and about 280 K, preferably about 280 K. Additionally, adsorption temperature <b>268</b> preferably comprises between about 210 K and about 215 K, preferably about 210 K. Temperature of liquid coolant <b>264</b> comprises about 195 K. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, future materials, etc., other adsorption and desorption temperatures may suffice.

Once reaching adsorption temperature <b>268</b>, adsorption <b>530</b> begins, as shown. Adsorption <b>530</b> preferably comprises removal of carbon dioxide from cool dry carbon-dioxide-laden gas <b>242</b>. Adsorption <b>530</b> comprises an exothermic reaction bonding carbon dioxide to sorbent bed <b>236</b>. Excess heat generated by exothermic reaction preferably transfers out of sorbent bed <b>236</b> in sublimation heat exchange <b>265</b>. Adsorption <b>530</b> preferably continues until sorbent bed <b>236</b> is fully loaded. Applicant has determined, through testing and modeling, that adsorption <b>530</b> takes about 6 minutes.

After sorbent bed <b>236</b> becomes loaded, sorbent bed <b>236</b> preferably switches to desorption mode in adsorption to desorption changeover <b>532</b>, as shown. During adsorption to desorption changeover <b>532</b>, system pressure drops to ambient pressure of external environment <b>350</b>. When external environment <b>350</b> comprises Mars, such ambient pressure preferably comprises carbon dioxide partial pressure of about 0.8 kPa (kilopascal).

After adsorption to desorption changeover <b>532</b>, sorbent bed <b>236</b> preferably warms to desorption temperature <b>205</b> using heat exchange <b>227</b> (shown as sorbent bed warming <b>534</b>). Warm moist carbon-dioxide-laden gases <b>225</b> used in heat exchange <b>227</b> preferably comprises a temperature of about 300 K. Desorption <b>520</b> comprises an endothermic reaction, such that during warming <b>534</b> desorption <b>520</b> preferably begins before desorption temperature <b>205</b> is reached. Once desorption temperature <b>205</b> is reached, final desorption <b>536</b> completes desorption <b>520</b> of carbon dioxide from sorbent bed <b>236</b>, as shown. Applicant has determined, through modeling and testing that desorption comprises about 6 minutes.

After final desorption <b>536</b>, thermodynamic loading cycle <b>500</b> begins again. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, environmental limitations, etc., other thermodynamic cycles may suffice.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> shows a graph view, illustrating two sorbent beds <b>236</b> each following thermodynamic loading cycle <b>500</b>, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>. Two sorbent beds <b>236</b> (identified herein as Bed A and Bed B) preferably alternate between adsorption <b>530</b> and desorption <b>520</b> in thermodynamic loading cycle <b>500</b>. Sorbent beds <b>236</b> preferably alternate modes in thermodynamic loading cycle <b>500</b> such that sorbent beds <b>236</b> are consistently in opposite modes of operation, in a time-phase shift, as shown. By so time-phase shifting thermodynamic loading cycle <b>500</b> in different sorbent beds <b>236</b>, one sorbent bed <b>236</b>, comprising desorbing MTSA module <b>231</b>, will be exhausting carbon dioxide gas <b>237</b> to external environment <b>350</b>, while one sorbent bed <b>236</b>, comprising adsorbing MTSA module <b>233</b>, absorbs more carbon dioxide from respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b>. Thus, a substantially continuous removal of carbon dioxide may preferably be maintained.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows a perspective view, illustrating metabolic heat regenerated temperature swing adsorption module <b>230</b> of respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b>, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows a perspective cutaway view, illustrating a sorbent bed <b>236</b> of metabolic heat regenerated temperature swing adsorption module <b>230</b> of respiration conditioning cycle <b>200</b>, according to the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> together, metabolic heat regenerated temperature swing adsorption module <b>230</b> preferably comprises, as shown, sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b>, heat exchanger <b>232</b> and heat exchanger <b>238</b>, as discussed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

Sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b>, heat exchanger <b>232</b> and heat exchanger <b>238</b> are preferably joined adjacent, as shown. Non-gas-permeable barrier <b>270</b> preferably comprises at least one shared wall between sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b> and heat exchanger <b>238</b>, as shown. Further, gas impermeable barrier <b>229</b> (at least embodying herein at least one thermal conductor adapted to assist thermal conductivity between such expired breath and such at least one expiration-breath cooler; and at least embodying herein thermal conductor means for assisting thermal conductivity between such expired breath and such expiration-breath cooler means; and at least embodying herein assisting thermal conductivity between such expired breath and such at least one expired-breath cooler) preferably comprises at least one other shared wall between sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b> and heat exchanger <b>232</b>, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, heat transfer optimizations, etc., other geometries, such as, for example, cylindrical, interwoven, helical, etc., may suffice.

During desorption <b>520</b>, heat exchanger <b>232</b> preferably allows gasses to pass through heat exchanger <b>232</b> from gas entrance port <b>620</b> across at least one condenser fin <b>635</b> to gas exit port <b>640</b>.

Condenser fin <b>635</b> preferably transfers heat from such gasses to sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b>, while also collecting water via condensation. Ice preferably forms on condenser fin <b>635</b> while temperatures are below freezing; however, as sorbent bed <b>236</b> warms from heat exchange <b>227</b>. Such ice melts and exits heat exchanger <b>232</b> through at least one drain port <b>630</b>, as shown. Drain port preferably connects to feed line <b>288</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

During adsorption <b>530</b>, liquid coolant <b>264</b> enters heat exchanger <b>238</b> through at least one coolant inlet <b>670</b>. Coolant inlet <b>670</b> preferably connects to at least one distribution channel <b>675</b> that in turn connects to at least one chamber distribution port <b>680</b>, as shown. Liquid coolant <b>264</b> preferably distributes across heat exchanger <b>238</b> and preferably solidifies. At least one heat transfer fin <b>685</b> preferably transfers heat from sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b> into solidified coolant causing sublimation into coolant vapor. Such coolant vapor expands into heat exchanger <b>238</b> drawing further heat in coolant-superheating heat exchange <b>275</b> forming superheated coolant <b>262</b>. Superheated coolant <b>262</b> preferably exits heat exchanger <b>238</b> through coolant outlet port <b>660</b>.

Also during adsorption <b>530</b>, cool dry carbon-dioxide-laden gas <b>242</b> preferably enters adsorbing MTSA module <b>233</b> through inlet port <b>610</b>. Cool dry carbon-dioxide-laden gas <b>242</b> (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one expiration-breath cooler comprises such cooled, de-humidified expired breath) is cooled using heat exchange <b>275</b> to adsorption temperature <b>268</b>, then sorbent <b>695</b> adsorbs carbon dioxide from cool dry carbon-dioxide-laden gas <b>242</b> using heat exchange <b>265</b>. Exiting sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b>, using outlet port <b>650</b>, preferably is cold dry scrubbed gas <b>244</b>.

Sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b> preferably contains sorbent bed <b>236</b>, as shown. Sorbent bed <b>236</b> preferably comprises dimensions of about two inches by about two inches by about five inches. Square cross-section of sorbent bed <b>236</b> preferably reduces thermal mass of sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b>, preferably requiring less heat for warming to desorption temperature <b>205</b>. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, environmental limitations, etc., other dimensions may suffice.

Sorbent bed <b>236</b> preferably comprises at least one foam base <b>690</b>, as shown, preferably comprising aluminum foam, preferably 6061-T6 aluminum foam, preferably 8% density aluminum foam. Foam base preferably comprises about 40 PPI (pores per inch). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, cycle time requirements, etc., other foams, such as, for example, denser foams, less dense foams, non-aluminum foams, etc., may suffice.

Foam base <b>690</b> is preferably dip brazed into sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b>, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, thermal requirements, etc., other mountings, such as, for example, thermal epoxies, inserted holders, etc., may suffice.

Foam base <b>690</b> preferably is washcoated with at least one sorbent <b>695</b>, as shown, using current techniques and parameters as established by PCI (Precision Combustion, Inc. of North Haven, Conn.). Upon reacting the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, materials, etc., other coating methods, such as, for example, dip coating, plating, spray coating, etc., may suffice.

Sorbent <b>695</b> (at least herein embodying wherein such at least one carbon dioxide adsorber comprises at least one sorbent adapted to adsorb and/or desorb carbon dioxide, the mode correlating with temperature of such at least one sorbent; and at least herein embodying wherein such adsorbing utilizes at least one sorbent adapted to adsorb and/or desorb carbon dioxide, the mode correlating with temperature of such at least one sorbent) preferably comprises NaX zeolite. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, materials, etc., other sorbents, such as, for example, activated charcoal, metallic sorbents, etc., may suffice.

Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, system requirements, etc., other sorbent geometries, such as, for example, balls, plates, screens, membranes, etc., may suffice.

Metabolic heat regenerated temperature swing adsorption module <b>230</b> preferably comprises metal, preferably aluminum, preferably 6061-T6 aluminum. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, thermal transfer requirements, etc., other materials, such as, for example, other metals, cermets, plastics, etc., may suffice.

Sorbent-bed chamber <b>234</b> is preferably made from a square tube comprising about two inches on a side, having a wall thickness of about 0.05 inches, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, thermal transfer requirements, etc., other sorbent chamber geometries, such as, for example, cylindrical, cubic, ridged, etc., may suffice.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.