Project Information
Project Location: Northern Arizona University, College of Engineering Building 69, Environmental Engineering Lab
Task 1- Research and Selection
This task consisted of researching current vertical agriculture systems and selecting the watering, lighting, and structural components based on the research.
Task 2- Design
This task consisted of designing the vertical agriculture system prototype using the chosen components.
Task 3- Construction
This task consisted of purchasing the necessary materials and constructing the prototype.
Task 4- Testing
This task consisted of testing the prototype for its ability to operate successfully and effectively.
Task 5- Final Presentation and Report
Design Alternatives:
Water Component-
The importance of watering ensures that plants survive and can also receive the necessary nutrients. The three alternatives considered for the watering design included:
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Aeroponics
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Drip Method
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Nutrient Film Technique
VF chose to utilize the Nutrient Film Technique, or NFT, because studies have proven its effectiveness in growing leafy green vegetables. NFT systems are the most common method of hydroponics used on a commercial scale. For this reason, the team sought to replicate large scale vertical agriculture with a small scale prototype to produce results that may be more relevant in real world application.
Lighting Component-
VF verified that crop yield in an indoor hydroponic system is dependent on a controlled environment that simulates natural lighting by using artificial lighting. The three alternatives considered for the watering design included:
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Incandescent
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Fluorescent
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Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Based on research, VF chose LED, for the lighting component of the system. LED is a type of artificial lighting that is setting the stage for improving plant growth.
Structural Component-
VF chose a metal structure that measures 36 inches wide, 16 inches long and 72 inches high. The structure has 5 adjustable shelves with a 500-pound shelf capacity. The structure is available to the general public and its assembly instructions provides ease of use in reproducing the vertical agriculture system created by the VF.
Final Design: The final design for the vertical agriculture prototype discussed above can be seen in the AutoCAD drawing below.
Project Management: The schedule of the project can be found in the link below and the proposed cost and hours versus the actual cost and hours can be found below. The cost of implementation of the prototype can also be found below.
Table 1: Staffing Hours |
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Position |
Rate of Pay |
Hours |
Cost |
||
Proposed |
Actual |
Proposed |
Actual |
||
Project Manager |
$140/hr |
120 |
110 |
$16,800 |
$15,400 |
Senior Engineer |
$130/hr |
190 |
180 |
$24,700 |
$23,400 |
Engineering Technician #1 |
$75/hr |
240 |
300 |
$17,250 |
$22,500 |
Engineering Technician #2 |
$75/hr |
240 |
300 |
$17,250 |
$22,500 |
Total |
790 |
890 |
$76,000 |
$82,540 |
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Table 2: Cost of Implementation |
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Item |
Quantity |
Cost |
LED Lights |
3 rolls |
$84.00 |
Shelf Rack |
1 rack |
$40.00 |
Reservoir/Tubing/Fittings |
Lot |
$67.00 |
Plant Holders (All Components) |
Lot |
$89.00 |
Water Pump |
1 pump |
$40.00 |
Air Pump/Air Stones/Hoses |
Lot |
$43.00 |
Testing Kit (ph, buffer, EC, TDS) |
Lot |
$38.00 |
Nutrient Solution |
1 bottle |
$26.00 |
Starter Plants |
24 plants |
$30.00 |
Total To-Date |
$457.00 |
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Background Figure. Plants. Howard Resh Hydroponic Services. [Online]. [Accessed: 08-May-2017].