DESCRIPTION, OPERATION AND PRODUCTION OF THE SOUTH POLE FOOD GROWTH CHAMBER (SPFGC)
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Master's thesis
Author
Patterson, Randy LaneIssue Date
2011Advisor
Giacomelli, Gene A.
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The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
The SPFGC (South Pole Food Growth Chamber) is a hydroponic growth chamber funded by the National Science Foundation. The SPFGC is located inside the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. The purpose of the SPFGC is to produce fresh vegetables, bright light and high humidity for station personnel and the objective of this manuscript was to document its control, energy and material consumption and food production. Data collected from January - October 2006 were used to document the measured material and energy consumption and biomass production rates (crop schedule, harvest index and crop types) of the SPFGC. The system elements of the SPFGC were described. Resource inputs included water, carbon dioxide and fertilizer salts. Total electrical power consumed by the SPFGC was measured. Radiant and thermal energy emitted by the water-cooled growing lamps was calculated. Additionally, thermal energy needed for the production of melt-water used by the SPFGC was calculated. The automated control systems (i.e. sensors, lighting, carbon dioxide enrichment and nutrient delivery systems) were described. A resource and production model for the SPFGC was developed that served as an empirical comparison to Advanced Life Support (ALS) models and demonstrated material consumption (1.1 CO2 kg d-1, dry fertilizer salts 0.21 kg d-1), electrical energy consumption (281 kWh d-1) as well as calculated oxygen (0.53 kg d-1) and edible biomass (food) production (2.8 kg d-1 ± 1.0) via a polyculture cropping system under controlled environment.Type
textElectronic Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.Degree Level
mastersDegree Program
Graduate CollegeAgricultural and Biosystems Engineering