Mathematical and Computer Simulation of the Biological Life Support System Module 1/2. Description of the model

Abstract

The mathematical model based on kinetic coefficients and dependencies obtained during the experiments was constructed to estimate the character of functioning of the experimental module of biological life support system (BLSS) and the possibilities of its controlling. The mathematical model consists of two compartments - the phytotron model (with wheat and radish) and the mycotron model (for mushrooms). The following components are included into the model: edible mushrooms (mushroom fruit bodies and mycelium); wheat; radish; straw (processed by mycelium); dead organic matter in the phytotron (separately for the wheat unit and for the radish unit); worms; worms` coprolites; vermicompost used as a soil-like substrate (SLS); bacterial microflora; mineral nitrogen, phosphorus and iron; products of the system intended for humans (wheat grains, radish roots and mushroom fruit bodies); oxygen and carbon dioxide. At continuous gas exchange, the mass exchange between the compartments occurs at the harvesting time. The conveyor character of the closed ecosystem functioning has been taken into account - the number of culture age groups can be controlled (in experiments and in the model - 4 and 8 age groups). The conveyor cycle duration can be regulated as well. The module was designed for the food and gas exchange requirements of 1\30 of a virtually present human. The model estimates the values of all dynamic components of the system under various conditions and modes of functioning, especially those, which are difficult to be realized in the experiment. The model allows dynamic calculation of biotic turnover closedness coefficient for main considered elements. The coefficient of matter biotic cycle closure for systems based on matter supplies has been formalized.

Keywords

• Mathematical modeling
• biological life support system
• closedness coefficient