Automated Solar-Driven Ecosystem Design: From Biotopes to Life Support Systems
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: A hands-on systems engineering syllabus for autonomous food & water loops for terrestrial & to be ported in orbital environments. The design and operation of autonomous, solar-powered ecosystems has applications ranging from small-scale educational projects to critical life support systems (LSS) in space habitats. This syllabus is intended as both a theoretical framework and a practical guide for engineers, scientists, and advanced students who wish to develop systems that can maintain stable biological and mechanical operations without dependence on an external electrical grid. This document expands upon a complete automation and optimization workflow, illustrated with diagrams, charts, and calculations. Each module addresses a specific area, building from foundational principles to advanced control strategies. By the conclusion, the reader should be able to design, build, and optimize a fully solar-independent aquatic or hydroponic ecosystem, with resilience to environmental variation and the ability to scale toward space-based life support.
Author: Wayenberg, Francois
Language: English
Subfield: Architecture
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7150905110
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