Passive Solar Aquaponics Array with Water Wall Thermal Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquaponics and greenhouse systems lack effective incorporation of passive solar greenhouses and efficient fish feeding systems, particularly for black soldier fly composting and auto fish feeding, in a cost-effective manner.
Innovation Solution
The system integrates passive solar insulated structures with glazing for maximum sunlight, a water wall thermal mass, fish tanks, natural air ventilation, and a black soldier fly composter that converts organic matter into larvae for fish feed, along with spectral analyzers and computer-controlled parameters for optimal air and water conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If passive solar structures are integrated with aquaponics and mushroom cultivation, then energy efficiency and sustainability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive solar greenhouse structures with aquaponics systems and mushroom cultivation facilities into a single integrated structure. The solar greenhouse provides both heating for the aquaponics system and a controlled environment for mushroom cultivation, while the aquaponics system provides cooling and humidity control for the mushroom area. This merging of functions reduces overall energy requirements while maintaining system complexity at a manageable level through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive solar greenhouse structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal mass for heating during winter, creates a controlled humid environment for mushroom cultivation, houses the aquaponics system with fish tanks and grow beds, and generates freshwater through solar evaporation. This multi-functionality approach improves energy efficiency by having each component serve multiple purposes rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Productivity
If black soldier fly composter is added for auto fish feeding, then productivity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The black soldier fly composter is designed to automatically process organic waste and produce larvae that feed the fish. The system uses the natural behavior of black soldier flies to lay eggs in organic material, which then hatches and the larvae consume the waste while growing. The flies and larvae perform the waste processing function themselves without mechanical intervention, converting waste into high-quality fish feed naturally. This self-service approach improves productivity by eliminating the need for external fish feed purchases while adding minimal complexity since the system leverages natural biological processes.
3Loss of substance
If solar evaporation system is used for freshwater generation, then loss of substance is reduced, but use of energy by stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses solar evaporation to convert saltwater into freshwater, turning the potentially harmful effect of solar radiation (which can cause excessive heating) into a beneficial process. The solar energy that would otherwise be wasted or cause overheating is instead harnessed to drive the evaporation process in the solar still, converting saline water into fresh water that can be used for the aquaponics system. This approach reduces freshwater loss by generating it in-situ while utilizing solar energy that would otherwise be unused.
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 setup enhances fish and mushroom production by utilizing solar energy for freshwater generation, efficient fish feeding, and optimal environmental control, creating a sustainable and cost-effective aquaponics system.
Implementation Method 1
a water wall thermal mass integrated in the structure and disposed between the plant growing area and the mushroom growing area
Implementation Method 2
the saltwater delivered to the respective saltwater basins is evaporated by solar heat generated by the respective plant growing areas of the array of passive solar insulated structures in order to generate freshwater
Implementation Method 3
a natural air ventilation system housed within the structure and configured to provide misted air into the mushroom growing area, wherein O2 generated by the plant growing area is received by the natural air ventilation system and provided to the mushroom growing area, and CO2 generated by the mushroom growing area is provided to the plant growing area
Implementation Method 4
a glazing on a sun facing side at an angle to maximize winter sunlight
Data Source
AI summary
An array system of passive solar aquaponic and mushroom production structures, each having a glazing on a sun facing side to maximize winter sunlight; a plant growing area; a mushroom growing area; a water wall thermal mass integrated and disposed between the plant and mushroom growing areas; a fish tank; a saltwater basin under the plant growing holding saltwater; a natural air ventilation system providing misted air to the mushroom growing area and receiving O2 from the plant growing provided to the mushroom growing area, and CO2 generated by the mushroom growing area provided to the plant growing area; and saltwater channels delivering saltwater to the saltwater basins from a saltwater source, and which is evaporated by solar heat generated by the plant growing areas in order to generate freshwater.