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Modeling of Solid Waste Processing Options in BIO-PlexBIO-Plex is a ground-based test bed currently under development by NASA for testing technologies and practices that may be utilized in future long-term life support missions. All aspects of such an Advanced Life Support (ALS) System must be considered to confidently construct a reliable system, which will not only allow the crew to survive in harsh environments, but allow the crew time to perform meaningful research. Effective handling of solid wastes is a critical aspect of the system, especially when recovery of resources contained in the waste is required. This is particularly important for ALS Systems configurations that include a Biomass Production Chamber. In these cases, significant amounts of inedible biomass waste may be produced, which can ultimately serve as a repository of necessary resources for sustaining life, notably carbon, water, and plant nutrients. Numerous biological and physicochemical solid waste processing options have been considered. Biological options include composting, aerobic digestion, and anaerobic digestion. Physicochemical options include pyrolysis, SCWO (supercritical water oxidation), various incineration configurations, microwave incineration, magnetically assisted gasification, and low temperature plasma reaction. Modeling of these options is a necessary step to assist in the design process. A previously developed top-level model of BIO-Plex implemented in MATLAB Simulink (r) for the use of systems analysis and design has been adopted for this analysis. Presently, this model only considered incineration for solid waste processing. Present work, reported here, includes the expansion of this model to include a wider array of solid waste processing options selected from the above options, bearing in mind potential, near term solid waste treatment systems. Furthermore, a trade study has also been performed among these solid waste processing technologies in an effort to determine the ideal technology for long-term life support missions.
Document ID
20010106503
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rodriguez, Luis F.
(Orbital Sciences Corp. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Finn, Cory
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Kang, Sukwon
(Rutgers Univ. NJ United States)
Hogan, John
(Rutgers Univ. NJ United States)
Luna, Bernadette
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2000
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems
Location: Orlando, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: July 9, 2001
End Date: July 12, 2001
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 131-20-10
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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