Generalized Conceptual Design Methodology for a Regenerative Life Support System Considering Robust Performance 2002-01-2394

The purpose of Regenerative Life Support Systems (RLSS) is to support human life by regenerating resources. To date, the design procedure of RLSS has not been generalized as compared with that for automobiles, airplanes, ships or others entities. In this paper, we first analyzed the sub-goals needed to achieve the top-level goal of “support human life by regenerating resources”. This was done by extracting functions to describe each sub-goal and expressing the design process in a hierarchical manner. Next, we proposed the design methodology of determining element attributes to achieve these functions. Furthermore, in this design methodology, the element attributes of systems were determined to ensure the robustness of the systems against unexpected events in material circulation. In this paper, we discuss a generalized-conceptual design methodology for RLSS and apply that concept to Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BRLSS).