Aquaponic Nutrient Control with Sensor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In closed-loop aqueous crop growing systems, maintaining accurate nutrient levels is challenging due to variations in nutrient intake by crops and delays in nutrient distribution, leading to errors in sampling and lengthy sensor recalibration processes.
Innovation Solution
A nutrient control system for recirculating aqueous crop growing systems, including a grow chamber, liquid solution line, nutrient tanks, reference solution tanks, sensors, and a controller that adjusts nutrient addition based on sensed ion levels and performs sensor calibration using reference solutions to generate calibration curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If nutrients are injected into a large reservoir of aqueous solution, then the crops can maintain adequate nutrient levels, but variations in concentration occur and significant delays occur between injection and dispersal
Solution Approach 1:
The large reservoir is segmented into multiple sampling zones, and multiple sensors are distributed throughout the reservoir to measure nutrient concentrations at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to capture spatial variations in concentration and provides more representative measurements overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mixing actions before sampling by activating circulation pumps or mixers to distribute nutrients more uniformly throughout the reservoir. This preliminary action reduces concentration variations and ensures that subsequent samples more accurately represent the overall nutrient level.
2Quantity of substance
If nutrients are injected into the liquid solution, then crop nutrient needs are met, but significant time lags occur between injection and dispersal making sampling error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors nutrient concentrations using multiple sensors and provides real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to track nutrient dispersal progress and determine the optimal timing for sampling, eliminating the time lag problem by making sampling decisions based on actual measured conditions rather than waiting for theoretical dispersal completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation system operates continuously to maintain constant movement and mixing of the aqueous solution. This continuous action ensures that nutrients are dispersed uniformly throughout the reservoir without significant time lags, and sampling can be performed at any time with accurate results.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are used for sampling the solution, then nutrient levels can be monitored, but periodic recalibration is required which is lengthy and increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic self-calibration functionality where sensors periodically adjust their own readings based on reference measurements from known standard solutions. This self-service calibration process eliminates or minimizes the need for manual recalibration operations, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with sensor maintenance while preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: continuous nutrient monitoring, periodic self-calibration using integrated reference solutions, and diagnostic testing. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate calibration equipment and procedures into a single integrated system, reducing overall recalibration time and complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system ensures accurate and timely nutrient delivery to crops, reduces errors in nutrient sampling, and streamlines sensor recalibration, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of nutrient management in hydroponic and aeroponic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensors for sensing ion levels in solution in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An aquaponic grow system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing nutrient levels in liquid provided to a grow chamber, and to adjust nutrient levels based on the sensed levels. In some embodiments the system includes a plurality of sensors configured to sense nutrient levels in a common chamber, with the system configured to calibrate the sensors.