@UofTAgritech/mechanical
Completion is tracked in the linked PR.
Design Scope
Design a system to mediate gas exchange between the internal environment and the surroundings.
Purpose
The purpose of the gas exchange system is to control the exhaust of internal air and the intake of fresh air to maintain a desired concentration of CO2/O2/etc. while a) not introducing pathogens and/or other aerosols, and b) not compromising the precision of the internal environment.
Function
Inputs:
- Power
- Exchange control signals (fan speed and shutter open/close)
Outputs:
- Gas intake (from surroundings), gas exhaust (to surroundings)
It interfaces with/depends on the following systems:
System operation assumes:
- External environment can handle exhaust air (i.e. higher humidity and O2 concentrations are not detrimental)
Method
Setup:
- Connect exhaust port to external exhaust air treatment system (i.e. dehumidification)
Process:
- On-demand, both input and output ports activate (shutters open, fans are enabled)
- Input port draws in air from surroundings
- Output port expels air through filtration and dehumidification system to be recycled
Shutdown:
- Disconnect exhaust port from filtration/dehumidification system
Features
Each feature should be added to relevant BoMs and CADs where applicable. Design decisions should be well-supported using relevant research and calculations, and should be documented in the Solution Overview. If a feature is complex enough, create a new issue for it using this template, and tag it here.
Requirements and Validation
What does this design need to accomplish? How do we know it has accomplished this?
List any applicable metrics with criteria/constraints, applicable to purpose, function, method, and each feature, as well as how to test them.
- Maximum gas exchange throughput -> complete air replacement for a 4-unit setup in X minutes
- Filtration > 99% of pathogens (viral, bacterial, and otherwise) as well as aerosols (pollen, etc.)
- Shutter mechanism is air-tight (~0% throughput) when closed
Verification
Each test should be performed and documented, and the testing documentation attached to the PR. The testing suite should address the full scope of the function (i.e. ensure inputs are met and outputs work), method (all steps execute correctly), and features (each feature performs as expected) with respect to the purpose and requirements.
How does this design achieve its method effectively, safely, and reliably? How do we test this?
Specific testing procedure:
- Test shutter and fan operation
- Test shutter air-tightness
- Test air throughput (maximum and control precision)
- Test aerosol filtration(?)
Additional context
Add any other context about the design scope or additional deliverables here.
Add any relevant electronics to the Wiring Diagram
Completion is tracked in the linked PR.
Design Scope
Design a system to mediate gas exchange between the internal environment and the surroundings.
Purpose
The purpose of the gas exchange system is to control the exhaust of internal air and the intake of fresh air to maintain a desired concentration of CO2/O2/etc. while a) not introducing pathogens and/or other aerosols, and b) not compromising the precision of the internal environment.
Function
Inputs:
Outputs:
It interfaces with/depends on the following systems:
System operation assumes:
Method
Setup:
Process:
Shutdown:
Features
Requirements and Validation
What does this design need to accomplish? How do we know it has accomplished this?
List any applicable metrics with criteria/constraints, applicable to purpose, function, method, and each feature, as well as how to test them.
Verification
How does this design achieve its method effectively, safely, and reliably? How do we test this?
Specific testing procedure:
Additional context
Add any other context about the design scope or additional deliverables here.
Add any relevant electronics to the Wiring Diagram