To maintain a stable environment, the water and "Santiam Sim" growing media will act to store solar heat. To prevent the system from over-heating, a modified 12 vdc "Executive Refridgerator" will be used to maintain a stable temperature. The system uses a NASA-designed electronic heat pump system that at the flick of a switch, will draw away heat to cool the unit, or by reversing the flow, heat will be added into the unit. During the cooling mode, moist, warm air will be drawn in from the top of the plant growth chamber via a small 12 vdc fan, (1 below) and duct work, (2). It will then flow into the aluminum-lined HVAC chamber, (3), which has been modified with the addition of an aluminum ice cube tray, (lower right) to increase the heat exchanging surface area. The air will cool down and flow back into the unit just under the mouse hab's open floor. Additionally, water will condense out and flow back into the system via the drain.
HVAC Location with Duct & Fan |
HVAC Test Mode. |
Inside with fresh condensation |
 |
