Modified energy cascade model adapted for a multicrop Lunar greenhouse prototype

• Published in: Advances in space research Vol. 50; no. 7; pp. 941 - 951
• Main Authors: Boscheri, G., Kacira, M., Patterson, L., Giacomelli, G., Sadler, P., Furfaro, R., Lobascio, C., Lamantea, M., Grizzaffi, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-10-2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Astronomy; Bioregenerative life support system (BLSS); Crop models; Earth, ocean, space; Energy cascade model; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Life sciences; Lunar greenhouse; Bioregenerative life support system (BLSS); Energy cascade model; Lunar greenhouse; Life sciences; Crop models; Mass balance; Energy balance; Sensitivity analysis; Forecast model; Performance; Space research; Uptake
• ISSN: 0273-1177; 1879-1948
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2012.05.025

Models are required to accurately predict mass and energy balances in a bioregenerative life support system. A modified energy cascade model was used to predict outputs of a multi-crop (tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce and strawberries) Lunar greenhouse prototype. The model performance was evaluated against measured data obtained from several system closure experiments. The model predictions corresponded well to those obtained from experimental measurements for the overall system closure test period (fivemonths), especially for biomass produced (0.7% underestimated), water consumption (0.3% overestimated) and condensate production (0.5% overestimated). However, the model was less accurate when the results were compared with data obtained from a shorter experimental time period, with 31%, 48% and 51% error for biomass uptake, water consumption, and condensate production, respectively, which were obtained under more complex crop production patterns (e.g. tall tomato plants covering part of the lettuce production zones). These results, together with a model sensitivity analysis highlighted the necessity of periodic characterization of the environmental parameters (e.g. light levels, air leakage) in the Lunar greenhouse.