Advantages of Distributed Humidity and Environmental Control

*† ‡ A modular system of distributed humidity control units offers several distinct advantages over the typical centralized system. System level reliability is increased by offering built in spares and inherent redundancy. With proper development, the distributed system provides greater reliability than can be attained with a single system. This approach also allows a decrease in overall mass and volume by reducing the size and mass of the spares. Further mass reductions are realized through increased utilization of each modular unit over the lifetime of a mission. The same system used to dehumidify during crew transport is also used in the long-duration base as well as a remote outpost. This paper explores the advantages of a distributed humidity approach to provide the system developer with additional design considerations.