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Energy-use Efficiency Optimization for Hydroponics Component of Indoor Aquaponics
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- Author / Creator
- Gillani, Syed Abreez
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The soaring global population has put an immense burden on the scientific world to develop ingenious sustainable food production systems. Aquaponics, an emerging alternative to traditional farming practice, promises to offer a sustainable and efficient solution to this problem, though its economic viability is still being tested. A merger between aquaculture and hydroponics, the aquaponics technique utilizes aquaculture effluent to grow plants. However, implementing a large-scale indoor aquaponics system faces multiple challenges, both from the technical and economic aspects, one of which is related to excessive energy consumption. As the hydroponic component utilizes a significant portion of this energy, this study aims at optimizing the energy-use efficiency of indoor plant production systems within the aquaponics facility. The research progresses through three phases. The first phase follows a systematic approach to reviewing the current literature on energy efficiency in indoor aquaponics. It puts emphasis on recording characteristics related to artificial illuminance – types, specific wavelengths, photoperiod, daily light integral, and switching frequency. The second phase aims to revise the existing aquaponics ontology model with relevant system knowledge related to energy consumption and further develop an interactive graphical user interface with data populated from the new ontology model, providing a step-by-step guide on creating the energy-efficient aquaponics system. The third phase compares the energy-use efficiency of two different hydroponic systems (Nutrient film technique and deep-water culture) within the aquaponics facility. Further, it evaluates the impact of the light recipe on the growth and characteristics of the Lactuca sativa L. (Little Gem) plantation. In addition, this research throws light on smart monitoring applications that enhance energy-use efficiency and proposes various emerging technologies within aquaponics that may offer economic, social, and environmental sustainability while delivering food security and nutrition for all, thus paving the way towards a cleaner food production system
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- Subjects / Keywords
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2022
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Library with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.