MICROGRAVITY AEROPONICS SYSTEM FOR SPACE-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION

Abstract

The present invention discloses an advanced aeroponics system (100) for cultivating plants in microgravity environments, particularly for space exploration applications. The system comprises a modular growth chamber (101), a nutrient delivery system (102), a root zone misting apparatus (103), an environmental control unit (104), a plant monitoring subsystem (105), a water recycling unit (106), a modular light array (107), and an adaptive control system (108). The invention enables efficient food production in zero-gravity conditions by precisely controlling nutrient delivery, atmospheric composition, lighting, and plant health monitoring. The system's modular design facilitates easy maintenance and scalability for various space mission requirements.

Specification

Description:Modular Growth Chamber (101): One key feature of the microgravity aeropons is their modular growth chamber. It is composed of multiple interlocking, hexagonal units so it may easily be assembled, disassembled, and hence readily reconfigured to fit any of a wide variety of spacecraft configurations or mission requirements.

Each hexagonal unit, 101a is 1-meter diameter and 0.5 meters tall, using aluminum alloy that is lightweight as well as space-grade. The insides are coated with reflective material to maximize light use. Standard connection ports, 101b: power, data, and fluid transfer exist for 'plug-and-play' functionality.

One of the great advantages of a modular chamber design is the ease with which it can expand or contract according to one's needs. Groups of chambers can be linked to increase the overall growing space and provide larger rooms for isolation during component maintenance or control spreading of plant diseases.

Nutrient Delivery System (102): The nutrient delivery system consists of a central nutrient reservoir (102a), precision mixing chambers (102b), and a network of distribution pipes (102c). The central reservoir, with a capacity of 50 liters, stores concentrated nutrient solutions.
Microprocessor-controlled peristaltic pumps (102d) draw specific quantities of nutrients from the reservoir into the mixing chambers, where they are combined with purified water to create custom nutrient solutions. The mixing process is controlled by an advanced algorithm that adjusts nutrient composition based on plant growth stage, species requirements, and real-time sensor data.

The distribution network uses microgravity-compatible pumps (102e) to circulate the nutrient solution throughout the system. These pumps employ magnetic levitation technology to eliminate the need for gravity-dependent components.

Root Zone Misting Apparatus (103): The root zone misting apparatus is designed to create a fine, consistent mist of nutrient solution in the absence of gravity. It consists of an array of high-frequency ultrasonic nebulizers (103a) positioned strategically within the root zone of each plant.

Each nebulizer generates droplets with an average diameter of 5 micrometers, small enough to remain suspended in the air and be easily absorbed by plant roots. The misting frequency and duration are controlled by the adaptive control system, adjusted based on plant needs and environmental conditions.

A series of small, directional fans (103b) create gentle air currents within the root zone, ensuring even distribution of the nutrient mist and preventing water accumulation on roots.

Environmental Control Unit (104): The environmental control unit maintains optimal growing conditions within the chamber. It includes:
a) Temperature Control System (104a): Thermoelectric cooling elements and resistive heating elements maintain temperatures between 18-30°C with ±0.5°C precision.
b) Humidity Regulation System (104b): A combination of condensers and evaporators manage humidity levels between 50-70% RH.
c) Atmospheric Composition Control (104c): Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels are regulated using selective gas permeable membranes and compact gas cylinders. Ethylene scrubbers prevent premature ripening.
d) Air Circulation System (104d): Low-power, magnetically levitated fans ensure uniform air distribution and prevent stagnant air pockets.

Plant Monitoring Subsystem (105): This subsystem employs a variety of sensors and imaging devices to continuously assess plant health and growth:
a) Hyperspectral Imaging Cameras (105a): Mounted above the plant canopy, these cameras capture detailed spectral information to assess plant health, detect stress, and identify nutrient deficiencies.
b) Root Zone Imaging System (105b): Miniature cameras and LED illumination arrays provide real-time imaging of root development and health.
c) Sap Flow Sensors (105c): Non-invasive sensors monitor plant water uptake and transpiration rates.
d) Leaf Temperature Sensors (105d): Infrared sensors measure leaf surface temperatures to optimize environmental controls and detect plant stress.

Water Recycling Unit (106): The water recycling unit ensures efficient use of water resources:
a) Condensation Collection System (106a): Peltier-based cooling elements condense and collect transpired water vapor.
b) Filtration System (106b): A multi-stage filtration process, including reverse osmosis and UV sterilization, purifies collected water.
c) Nutrient Recovery System (106c): Ion exchange resins and electrodialysis techniques recover and concentrate nutrients from waste water.

Modular Light Array (107): The lighting system consists of adjustable LED panels that provide customized spectral output:
a) Multi-Wavelength LED Arrays (107a): Each panel contains LEDs emitting specific wavelengths optimized for different stages of plant growth.
b) Intensity Control System (107b): Individual LED control allows for dynamic adjustment of light intensity and spectrum throughout the growth cycle.
c) Light Distribution Optics (107c): Specialized lenses and reflectors ensure uniform light distribution across the plant canopy.

Adaptive Control System (108): The central control unit integrates data from all subsystems to optimize growing conditions:
a) Machine Learning Algorithm (108a): Continuously analyzes sensor data and system performance to improve growing protocols.
b) Predictive Maintenance Module (108b): Identifies potential system failures before they occur, scheduling maintenance activities.
c) Resource Allocation Optimizer (108c): Balances energy, water, and nutrient use across the system to maximize efficiency.
d) User Interface (108d): A touch-screen display and wireless connectivity allow crew members to monitor and control the system remotely.

Method of Performing the Invention
The best method for operating the Microgravity Aeroponics System involves a carefully orchestrated sequence of activities:
1. System Initialization:
- Assemble the modular growth chambers (101) according to mission specifications.
- Connect all subsystems and verify proper integration through the adaptive control system (108).
- Load the nutrient reservoir (102a) with concentrated nutrient solutions.
- Fill the water recycling unit (106) with an initial supply of purified water.

2. Plant Cultivation Process:
- Insert pre-germinated seedlings into specially designed plant holders within the growth chamber.
- Activate the environmental control unit (104) to establish optimal temperature, humidity, and atmospheric composition.
- Initiate the nutrient delivery system (102) and root zone misting apparatus (103) with a pre-programmed nutrient formula suitable for seedlings.
- Set the modular light array (107) to provide appropriate spectrum and intensity for the seedling stage.

3. Ongoing Operation:
- The adaptive control system (108) continuously monitors plant health through the plant monitoring subsystem (105).
- Based on real-time data, the system adjusts nutrient composition, misting frequency, lighting parameters, and environmental conditions.
- The water recycling unit (106) operates continuously, recovering transpired water and purifying it for reuse.
- As plants mature, the system automatically adjusts lighting spectra and nutrient formulations to match growth stages.

4. Harvest and System Maintenance:
- Crew members harvest mature plants as indicated by the adaptive control system.
- The system performs automated cleaning cycles on the root zone misting apparatus and nutrient delivery system to prevent clogging and contamination.
- Predictive maintenance alerts guide crew members in performing necessary system upkeep.

5. Continuous Improvement:
- The machine learning algorithm (108a) analyzes each growth cycle, refining protocols for future crops.
- System performance data is transmitted to Earth for further analysis and potential updates to the control software.

The method of the present invention ensures efficient, automated operation of the aeroponics system, minimizing crew time requirements while maximizing crop yield and system reliability in the challenging microgravity environment.
, Claims:1. A microgravity aeroponics system for space-based food production, comprising:
a modular growth chamber (101);
a nutrient delivery system (102);
a root zone misting apparatus (103);
an environmental control unit (104);
a plant monitoring subsystem (105);
a water recycling unit (106);
a modular light array (107); and
an adaptive control system (108);
wherein said components are configured to operate in a microgravity environment to cultivate plants without soil.

2. The microgravity aeroponics system of claim 1, wherein the modular growth chamber (101) comprises:
a plurality of interlocking hexagonal units (101a);
standardized connection ports (101b) for power, data, and fluid transfer.

3. The microgravity aeroponics system of claim 1, wherein the nutrient delivery system (102) comprises:
a central nutrient reservoir (102a);
precision mixing chambers (102b);
a network of distribution pipes (102c);
microprocessor-controlled peristaltic pumps (102d);
microgravity-compatible pumps (102e) employing magnetic levitation technology.

4. The microgravity aeroponics system of claim 1, wherein the root zone misting apparatus (103) comprises:
an array of high-frequency ultrasonic nebulizers (103a);
directional fans (103b) for mist distribution.

5. The microgravity aeroponics system of claim 1, wherein the environmental control unit (104) comprises:
a temperature control system (104a);
a humidity regulation system (104b);
an atmospheric composition control system (104c);
an air circulation system (104d).

6. The microgravity aeroponics system of claim 1, wherein the plant monitoring subsystem (105) comprises:
hyperspectral imaging cameras (105a);
a root zone imaging system (105b);
sap flow sensors (105c);
leaf temperature sensors (105d).

7. The microgravity aeroponics system of claim 1, wherein the water recycling unit (106) comprises:
a condensation collection system (106a);
a multi-stage filtration system (106b);
a nutrient recovery system (106c).

8. The microgravity aeroponics system of claim 1, wherein the modular light array (107) comprises:
multi-wavelength LED arrays (107a);
an intensity control system (107b);
light distribution optics (107c).

9. The microgravity aeroponics system of claim 1, wherein the adaptive control system (108) comprises:
a machine learning algorithm (108a);
a predictive maintenance module (108b);
a resource allocation optimizer (108c);
a user interface (108d).

10. A method for operating a microgravity aeroponics system for space-based food production, comprising the steps of:
assembling modular growth chambers (101);
initializing subsystems including nutrient delivery (102), root zone misting (103), environmental control (104), plant monitoring (105), water recycling (106), and lighting (107);
inserting pre-germinated seedlings into the growth chambers;
continuously monitoring and adjusting growing conditions using an adaptive control system (108);
harvesting mature plants; and
performing system maintenance based on predictive algorithms;
analyzing growth cycle data to refine cultivation protocols for future crops using a machine learning algorithm (108a).

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