, Autor bei CalamarPark.com

Branch & Bound

(Guest article by user Mike, thanks for contributing) By common definition, Branch & Bound is a mathematical algorithm to solve integer optimization problems. But simplified versions of Branch & Bound are also applied to find best fitting technical solutions manually. It is a useful tool for making fundamental decisions, such as the selection of a synthesis route during the project development of a new chemical factory complex.

In the context of CalamarPark, the design of the underwater habitat is such a fundamental decision: Should it be small or large? To operate at what depth? Ambient or atmospheric pressure? A certain design might be perfect at one location, but only second choice at another. Continue reading “Branch & Bound”

HUNUC

The following article was published by CalamarPark on Wikipedia in German. Feel free to correct grammar mistakes of this translation and publish it on Wikipedia in English. The illustration has also been made available by CalamarPark and is accessible on Wikimedia under the Creative Commons Licence [CC BY-SA 4.0].

HUNUC (abbreviation for Habitat of the University of Natal Underwater Club) was South Africas first underwater laboratory. However, the facility was destroyed shortly after its positioning due to conceptual errors and bad weather conditions. Continue reading “HUNUC”

‘We need to maintain a human presence under the sea’ | New Scientist

Aquanaut Sylvia Earle, co-leader of the final mission to the world’s only undersea lab, says the oceans need protecting more than ever – don’t pull funding

Quelle: ‘We need to maintain a human presence under the sea’ | New Scientist

Breathing Gas Processing: Overview

(Update 11.03.2023: structure renewed) This article is intended to define the concept for ensuring the appropriate habitat atmosphere to be used in the Calamar Park modules.

It is divided into the following sections:

Guide Value for Electricity Costs
Oxygen
Oxygen Demand of a Human Being
Oxygen Availability
Carbon Dioxide
Normoxic Gas Mixtures (Normox)
Air Supply from the Surface
Carbon Dioxide Scrubbing by Soda Lime
Carbon Dioxide Scrubbing by Monoethanolamine (MEA)
Carbon Dioxide Scrubbing by Sea Water
Photosynthesis
Water-Air Membrane
Oxygen by Electrolysis

Our extensive analysis and proposals are part of the design manual.

Vent Base Alpha

In 2016 deep sea technology developer Dr. Phil Nuytten had a TEDx speech about his vision of an underwater habitat called Vent Base Alpha. It would generate the necessary energy from the geothermal vent next to its location and would consist of a 1bar environment. (Video length 19:08 min.)

Continue reading “Vent Base Alpha”

Worst Case Scenarios: Introduction

(Update 23.12.2022: renewed structure) This chapter is an introduction for the creation of various worst case scenarios, their prevention and handling.

The results of each scenario naturally link to two different applications:

structural measures of the habitat (to be considered during planning and construction of the habitat)
emergency procedures (to be considered before accommodation)

This chapter is an introduction and covers the following sections:

Coverage
Combinations of Multiple Emergencies
Deactivation of Overwrite Rule
Levels of Emergenvies
Structure of a Worst Case Scenario
List of Proposed Scenarios

Our extensive analysis and proposals are part of the design manual.

Underwater Navigation

The danger of excursion divers getting lost have always been a major concern in underwater habitats. According to their webpage the Dive Tracker consists of a sender and a tracker. From a distance of up to 4000ft (?1300m) divers can easily track the direction of the sender’s signal and return to their safe location. Costs: from 1200USD per set. (Homepage Dive Tracker).

Bioversal Fire Extinguishers

The kind of fire extinguishers for an underwater habitat is an important issue. It should be effective, but must not contaminate the entire atmosphere. A considerable solution might be the Bioversal technology represented by Gröschl Brandschutz GmbH (former Bioversal Umwelttechnik und Handels GmbH) in Austria. Continue reading “Bioversal Fire Extinguishers”

BIOSMHARS

BIOSMHARS was a 2-year (2011-2013) research project co-funded by the European Commission under FP7. It was the first phase of a joint EU-Russia research effort to develop the scientific and technical tools for a comprehensive approach to the challenging issue of biocontamination inside manned spacecrafts. (project page; final report as pdf)