We have designed a mobile filtration unit for homes inspired by the ISS. Our prototype employs an ethylene scrubber. The scrubber recirculates air, oxidizing the ethylene and destroying bacteria. Our virtual prototype utilises a calcium hydroxide scrubber (lime water), that scrubs carbon dioxide from the air. As CO2 is passed through calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), a chemical reaction takes place, forming a precipitate, calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Our physical prototype utilised little equipment due to COVID-19. Our prototype was comprised of pool filters and plastic shields. We used little external materials, repurposed DIY materials and electronics like LCD screens, cables, and fans.
As mentioned by the challenge, we had to use the International Space Station (ISS) as inspiration to develop a system to monitor and purify indoor air. We designed this system for homes. The materials we used have been cleverly adapted to function effectively in multiple scenarios. Due to this reason, this home purposed air filtration unit could be used in numerous third-world countries like India and Congo. This will not only be cost-efficient but will have many financial benefits in terms of world production.
We are five, 14-year-old, secondary schoolers who have designed an air filtration unit which has been inspired by the ISS. Despite the limited resources, it encompasses being able to effect changes in a course of action with smoothness and timeliness, without any major setbacks. An ideal example of using adaptable resources was sanding the pipe in the prototype which was innovatively manufactured from plywood. Another problem we encountered was that filter sizes and the size of the pipe was slightly larger than the hole that was drilled in the prototype. In order to overcome this problem, we used anti-static foam for the tension between the two surfaces to decrease, and thus perform at a higher quality. This is an ideal example of adaptability and collaboration between team members.
The Seven Survival Skills encompass critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, effective oral and written communication, accessing and analysing information, curiosity and imagination. These seven survival skills have aided our perspective on several concepts and how actions must be perceived
With the advance of artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, automation, and globalization, the pace of change within human society within the next 30 years, will outpace the change of the last 5000 years. With this transferable skill set, the Seven Survival Skills, young students of today will be empowered to harness these changes for their future success. The Seven Survival skills bridge the gap for students between traditional education and the much-needed tools to dream big and succeed in an increasingly competitive global future.
Website:
http://wsn.spaceflight.esa.int/docs/Factsheets/30%20ECLSS%20LR.pdf
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20200000365.pdf
https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/g-281237_eclss_0.pdf
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/advasc.html
https://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/40-years-of-nasa-spinoff/air-purifier