The new fan model helps reduce noise in spacecraft, enhances operational efficiency, and improves the quality of life for astronauts.
Although the International Space Station (ISS) is roughly the size of a five-bedroom house, the prospect of being confined to a flying home at an altitude of 400 kilometers for months still raises concerns. Those living inside must deal with limited space, a lack of privacy, a feeling of being monitored, and the challenges of performing daily tasks in a microgravity environment.
The Quiet Space Fan Prototype, initially developed at the Glenn Research Center, aims to reduce noise inside spacecraft. (Photo: NASA).
However, one aspect of life on the ISS that is often overlooked is noise. Continuous sounds from cooling fans for life support systems and critical equipment can be distracting, with no place to escape from it.
Recently, researchers at NASA have developed a new Quiet Space Fan to reduce noise on crewed spacecraft, according to a report by Space on November 7. They plan to share this design within the industry for use in future commercial space stations. By reducing noise at the source, NASA hopes that people will be able to hear each other more clearly, respond to alarms faster, decrease the risk of hearing loss, and alleviate the discomfort caused by loud noises.
The initial fan prototype was designed at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland in 2009. Its design is similar to the previous Orion cabin fan, but sound measurements indicate that the new model is approximately 10 decibels quieter than similar-sized commercial fans.
Experts continue to develop this prototype, resulting in a larger fan model with double the airflow and pressure. For comparison, the original prototype could provide enough airflow for a large car or van, while the new fan model can supply sufficient airflow for a house.
“This work will deliver significant benefits, including saving volume and mass since noise control equipment is no longer bulky or even necessary, reducing system pressure loss from mufflers and silencers, and decreasing power consumption due to reduced system pressure loss and high-efficiency fan design, meeting the sound requirements of spacecraft to provide a safe and pleasant acoustic environment for astronauts,” said Chris Allen, manager of the Sound Office at NASA.
Improving conditions during spaceflight for humans will make space exploration more comfortable and efficient for future astronauts. The development of a noiseless fan in spacecraft is a step toward that goal.
