Abstract
Life support systems (LSSs) are autonomous systems integrating various generation, recycling, and consumption subsystems with storage capability to maintain the balance of key system compounds. A novel hierarchical control is proposed in this paper to operate an exemplary controlled ecological LSS. The study focuses on the control of O2 concentration in the crew compartment, as the main consumer of a LSS, while coordinating a network of biological compartments with a variety of generation, consumption, and storage capabilities. A concentrated gas buffer tank is included in the system to demonstrate its capability to support the system operation flexibility and efficiency. Simulation analyses for changing O2 demand scenarios are carried to assess the proposed control architecture performance.
Highlights
Life support systems (LSSs) are designed to provide the required environment for human beings to survive in outer space or isolated environments (Jones, 2003)
Main Outcome- As the main outcome of the study, Fig. 5a demonstrates that O2 in the crew compartment is appropriately maintained within the required limits while following the desired reference of 21%
The reason for this fluctuation, which evolves according to the nitrogen load, lies in the fact that in the secondary controller, the
Summary
Life support systems (LSSs) are designed to provide the required environment for human beings to survive in outer space or isolated environments (Jones, 2003). The main objectives of LSSs are to regenerate the atmosphere, recycle water, supply the required amount of edible material to sustain human life, and process the waste generated in the system to provide maximum self-sustainability. Current LSSs are partially Earth-dependent as it happens in the International Space Station (ISS), with a scheduled re-supply of food and fresh water from Earth based on the crew needs. The future of space crewed missions, including the sustainable and long-term presence on Moon and Mars surfaces, will require the capability to sustain life autonomously (Gitelson and Lisovsky, 2002; Gòdia et al, 2004; Nelson et al, 2010; Schwartzkopf, 1992; Sulzman, 1994).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
