DEVELOPING A GROUND-BASED PLANT-GROWING APPARATUS FOR A FUTURE CHINESE SPACE STATION

摘要

This article discusses the development of a novel space plant-growing device. Using forced convection, three gas circulation paths were achieved: I) ventilation of the growth chamber, 2) temperature and relative humidity heat exchange, and 3) removal of ethylene gas. Through the loop ventilation design for the indoor fans in the growth chamber and the coating of hydrophilic fiber on the refrigeration plate, water circulation and recovery, as well as water-gas separation and transport under a microgravity condition, were achieved A semiconductor heating/refrigeration plate was used to control the temperature and humidity of air in the growth chamber. By adopting a technical plan in which temperature and humidity control were separated, heat balance conflicts during the synergic adjustment and control of temperature and humidity were efficiently solved. The plan achieved the control of fixed-point temperature, balance of temperature, and correct humidity in a narrow scope. Arabidopsis thaliana was selected and cultured in the experiment of an entire life cycle. System test results showed that this device was feasible and that the control precision met plant requirements.