Hydroponics Apparatus

Design considerations

There are several design considerations to take into account:

• Use of space
• Number of parts
• Energy use
• Water use
• Nutrient requirements
• Total yield
• Ease of installation, use and maintenance
• Risk mitigation

Use of space

Ideally, you want to grow as many plants as possible per unit of volume. Different systems, i.e. combinations of Hydroponics methods and System Designs, allows for different number of plants per cubic meter.

Caption text

Plants / m3	Method	Design	Calculation (plants / m3)	Example product link
49.6	NFT	Rack	n/V = 96/(1.3*0.85*1.75) = 96/1.934=49.6	https://cityfarm.my/products/city-vertical-farm-xl-indoor-nft-system
104.8	NFT	Tower	n/V = 80/(0.67*0.67*1.7) = 80/0.763 = 104.8	https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Tower-Hydroponic-Grow-Systems-Complete-Vertical_1600065843280.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_image.4a745dd9wib41C&s=p

Design Rationale

The purpose of the Hydroponics Apparatus is to create structure that has a large amount of thermal mass, is sourced from local materials, and allows the root zone of all plants being cultivated to be exposed to the nutrients it needs to maximize growth, while minimizing risk factors posed by disease, pest infestation, and prolonged removal from the fluid interface. Additionally, it should be as handicap-accessible as possible.

Function

This greenhouse module will be tied in to the Spirulina/Crayfish/Aquaponics pools recursively; the waste cycles of the Spirulina/Crayfish/Aquaponics pools will not flow directly into the hydroponics apparatus, but the fertigation fluid in the hydroponics apparatus will flow into a biofilter assembly and then, via a 12 inch drop to reoxygenate the fluid, into the spirulina/crayfish and Trout/Perch. The vast majority of the hydroponics apparatus will be an "aquaduct" style floating raft system for cultivation of leafy vegetables, 3 compressed earth bricks wide, 2 deep approximately 32 inches above the floor. Another significant part of the aquaponics assembly will dutch bucket systems for cultivation of taller fruiting plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, and the like.

Inputs

LED lighting (Red and Blue spectrums) Compost Tea Fertigation mixture Seedlings Vermiculite Rockwool Diatomacious Earth Ladybugs Praying Mantis Bumblebees Cat (Rodent control) Vinegar Garlic

Outputs

Year-round vegetables, including Tomatoes, Kale, Celery, Swiss Chard, Lettuce, Peppers, Ashitaba, Spinach, Basil, etc.