Closed Loop Water Purification System Utilizing an Algae Membrane Photobioreactor for the International Space Station

Smith, Alexandra

关键词: ALGAE;    BIOCONVERSION;    BIOREACTORS;    FEEDBACK CONTROL;    MEMBRANES;    SOLID WASTES;    WATER TREATMENT;    CARBON DIOXIDE CONCENTRATION;    CARGO;    HIBERNATION;    INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION;    MICROGRAVITY;    OPEN CHANNEL FLOW;    POTABLE WATER;    WASTE WATER;   

RP-ID  :  KSC-E-DAA-TN62581

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

美国|英语

来源: NASA Technical Reports Server

【 摘 要 】

The International Space Station (ISS) currently operates on an open-loop water purification and distribution system. This system is only 75% efficient with a 25% water loss that must be resupplied on a quarterly basis through cargo resupply missions (Pickett, M.). This system is not feasible for long-duration spaceflight missions. A closed-loop water purification system aboard the ISS can benefit water reclamation and become the water purification system for long-term space flight. The primary sub-systems integrated within the proposed closed loop system include an anaerobic digestion membrane bioreactor and an algae membrane photobioreactor. The processes mimics the abilities of natural biological systems naturally. The water that flows from the algal membrane photobioreactor is rich in nutrients providing a feed source for plants aboard the ISS or can be further processed for potable water.