Aquaponics : optimizing the energy consumption of a water treatment apparatus in a novel multi-loop aquaponic system
Aziza, Jani S.R. (2022)
Aziza, Jani S.R.
2022
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2022121630416
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2022121630416
Tiivistelmä
The main aim of this thesis was to optimize the energy consumption of a pre-studied novel multi-loop aquaponic system by operation and design modification, with a purpose to advance aquaponics as a method towards sustainable food production.
Compared to traditional aquaculture and hydroponics, practices that do not share their resource utilization, aquaponics can be an energy efficient method for food production. Though aquaponics is a major area of interest, is insufficient study has been carried out on the optimization of the systems overall energy consumption.
A project was initiated for a medium-scale deep water culture (DWC) novel aquaponic system in the National Center for Mariculture (NCM) in Eilat, Israel. The research institution is a branch of the non-profit governmental corporation Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR). The corporation works under the Ministry of Environment regulations.
A preliminary study was conducted on the novel aquaponic system during the construction process. The system was characterized, and the novel aquaponics water treatment apparatus was investigated for energy efficiency improvements. A Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) in NCM premises was utilized to conduct necessary analytical research on-site.
Unit power and operation time was characterized. Nitrogen treatment units were evaluated, specifically analysing protein skimmer and nitrification biofilter. Alternative technologies were examined for the biofiltration unit.
The direct outcome of this study enhanced the approach towards alternative solutions for the water circulation treatment system of the initial model. The results of this thesis optimized aquaponics energy efficiency and were applied in practice on the design and construction of the novel multi-loop aquaponics system. Furthermore, the thesis results further assisted in the development of a novel RAS with onsite nutrient recovery concept.
Compared to traditional aquaculture and hydroponics, practices that do not share their resource utilization, aquaponics can be an energy efficient method for food production. Though aquaponics is a major area of interest, is insufficient study has been carried out on the optimization of the systems overall energy consumption.
A project was initiated for a medium-scale deep water culture (DWC) novel aquaponic system in the National Center for Mariculture (NCM) in Eilat, Israel. The research institution is a branch of the non-profit governmental corporation Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR). The corporation works under the Ministry of Environment regulations.
A preliminary study was conducted on the novel aquaponic system during the construction process. The system was characterized, and the novel aquaponics water treatment apparatus was investigated for energy efficiency improvements. A Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) in NCM premises was utilized to conduct necessary analytical research on-site.
Unit power and operation time was characterized. Nitrogen treatment units were evaluated, specifically analysing protein skimmer and nitrification biofilter. Alternative technologies were examined for the biofiltration unit.
The direct outcome of this study enhanced the approach towards alternative solutions for the water circulation treatment system of the initial model. The results of this thesis optimized aquaponics energy efficiency and were applied in practice on the design and construction of the novel multi-loop aquaponics system. Furthermore, the thesis results further assisted in the development of a novel RAS with onsite nutrient recovery concept.