A hierarchical approach to the sustainable management of controlled ecological life support systems: part 2, systems realization and analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Systems Engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) are crucial for long-duration space missions.
• Sustainable management is key to the long-term viability of CELSS.
• Previous work (Part 1) outlined a conceptual approach to CELSS management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the feasibility of a sustainable management approach for CELSS.
• To develop and test a hierarchical management strategy for CELSS.
• To demonstrate enhanced system performance and robustness in abstract CELSS models.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a simple, abstract representation of a CELSS with buffers and pumps.
• Developed a two-level management hierarchy with top-level constraints and lower-level operational freedom.
• Incorporated active distribution of system mass considering component constraints and dynamics.

Main Results:

• The hierarchical management approach proved feasible for sustainable CELSS operation.
• Compartment freedom within constraints enhanced system performance and robustness.
• The higher management level did not require detailed subsystem representations, simplifying control.

Conclusions:

• A two-level hierarchical management strategy is effective for sustainable CELSS.
• Active mass distribution and operational freedom contribute to system resilience.
• This approach offers a simplified yet robust method for managing complex life support systems.