ceac : research : south pole chamber project : Photo

South Pole Food Growth Chamber Project

SPFGC Model

Image. 6

The chamber is 28 ft. X 14 ft. in size, is divided into three rooms, a Production Area 18 ft. X 14 ft., an Environmental Room 9 ft. X 14 ft., and a Utility Room 50 in. X 28 ft. The Model shows these different spaces. The majority of the mechanical components are located in the Utility Room, and isolated from visitors to the chamber. A glass dividing wall isolates the two interior chambers, with the Production Area having a CO2 enriched environment for maximum production. The Environmental Room is for station personnel to spend time enjoying rich spectral lighting during the dark months of the Austral Winter, and operate the hobby hydroponic growing system in this room.

more SPFGC model pictures

Fabricating the SPFGC

Image. 7

The Chamber structure is made of a moduler insulated foam and aluminum sandwich that cam-locks together, similar to a walk-in freeze, and is manufactured by Bally Structures Inc. The high pressure sodium water jacketed lighting system is a prototype system developed by Sadler Machine Co. in corporation with University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, and NASA’s Advanced Life Support program. The Double Pass growing system is another CEAC / Sadler Machine Co. innovation, allowing the leafy crops to be transported and harvested in the S.P.galley, maximizing space utilization, and keeping the roots from plugging the drains. The web based computerized control system was manufactured by Argus Controls, and allows the chamber to be operated and accessed from anywhere in the world.

more Fabricating the SPFGC pictures

SPFGC at the Univ. of Arizona

Image. 8

The chamber was assembled at the University of Arizona. Testing of the various systems were completed before the chamber was shipped to Antarctica. The chamber is arranged so that the tall crops, tomato, peppers, and cucumbers are grown in the center row, and suspended from the ceiling. The short leafy crops, such as lettuce and spinach, grow in the system along each wall. The upper tray rack can move vertically, to allow clearance for the lower level of plants. The lower tray rack pulls out into the aisle, so space and light are not wasted. The nutrient reservoirs are located below the growing racks.

more SPFGC at the Univ. of Arizona pictures

SPFGC at South Pole

Image. 9

Current construction of the south pole vegetable growth chamber at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.

more SPFGC at South Pole pictures

ceac : research : south pole chamber project : Photo