Peltier-based Hydration Accumulation Terminal (P.H.A.T.)

Author(s) Information

• Jenner Mucher, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
• Ethan Pace, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
• Renee Robolledo, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
• Sabrina Luo, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
• Taehoon Lee, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
• Tarsem Pal, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 4

College of Engineering

Department - Author 4

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 4

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 5

College of Engineering

Department - Author 5

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 5

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

6-2026

Primary Advisor

Rick Lasko, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

The objective of this project is to design an innovative potable water dispenser capable of safely delivering hot, ambient, and chilled water on demand for human lander missions. The system will support astronauts’ hydration and food rehydration needs while minimizing mass, power, maintenance, and contamination risks in microgravity and partial-gravity environments. Current spacecraft dispensers, such as the International Space Station (ISS) system, provide only heated water and have limited temperature control, cleaning accessibility, and microbial resilience. Building on NASA heritage designs and lessons learned from the ISS Potable Water Dispenser, this project advances a lighter, simpler, and more energy-efficient concept suitable for Artemis-class lunar missions. This report defines the design problem, summarizes the research informing our engineering approach, and outlines the specifications, performance targets, and scope for the development of the proposed dispenser. It also demonstrates alignment with NASA’s Human Lander Challenge (HuLC) objectives for low-mass, low-power, high-reliability ECLSS technologies intended for long-duration surface missions

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/914