Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
(OP)
Hi guys, Ive been assigned a project that is not giving me trouble and was hoping I could get some starting points from somebody on here. Here is the the basic description of the project.
The client owns a Storage container about 40' long which is a Complete growing operation going on to grow vegetables and supply them to rural areas that cannot grow leafy greens basically. He reached out to us to for consulting on ONLY the Re circulation portion of his system. It has two pumps and 6 racks that have have plants growing on them. Based off this short description,
what are some ways you can Optimize re-circulation systems? The three Ideas I have are:
1. reduce overall pipe length to minimize frictional losses
2. reduce the overall amount of elbows and tee bends in the system
3. Choose a cheaper pump that can save energy costs
Other than that how would somebody go about this project?
I could really use some tips from anybody that has experience in this area of engineering.
Thank you
The client owns a Storage container about 40' long which is a Complete growing operation going on to grow vegetables and supply them to rural areas that cannot grow leafy greens basically. He reached out to us to for consulting on ONLY the Re circulation portion of his system. It has two pumps and 6 racks that have have plants growing on them. Based off this short description,
what are some ways you can Optimize re-circulation systems? The three Ideas I have are:
1. reduce overall pipe length to minimize frictional losses
2. reduce the overall amount of elbows and tee bends in the system
3. Choose a cheaper pump that can save energy costs
Other than that how would somebody go about this project?
I could really use some tips from anybody that has experience in this area of engineering.
Thank you





RE: Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
RE: Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
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RE: Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
I'll try to give the best description possible of the system. Picture a storage container that is about 40' long. Upon entering the storage container is a 6' Reservoir which pumps water through 6 different pipes. There are 6 racks which are laid down along the length of the Container and assembled like a typical shelf. The Pipes then are routed to each rack which has water flowing through them which feed the plant roots. There is a Smaller reservoir at the end of the circuit which has 2 smaller pumps half the size of the main one (from main reservoir) and that I believe pumps the liquid through a return line that goes back to the Main reservoir and repeats the circuit. At beginning of the circuit there is one pipe coming out of the main reservoir and then it splits into 6 different pipes via Fittings and Tee bends. The client has Valves that are placed on each pipe before they go into the reservoir to control flow easily upon entering the storage container.
So far I can only think of re-routing the pipes a bit to reduce as many bends and fittings as possible in the circuit. Other than that would you have any more suggestions based on my description? Pipe is a common PVC plastic material and each of the racks have inlets in them to have water flow through to feed the plants.
RE: Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
Production Cost
Production Time
Maintenance Cost
Ease of Field Maintenance
Modularity
Reliability
Efficiency
Aesthetics
Degree of Control/Customization
It sounds like they have an existing design, what do they want it to do/meet that it currently doesn't?
RE: Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
RE: Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
I would say Efficiency is the the main area of improvement we are looking at. I think by just reducing the bends and elbows in the system if possible by improving Aesthetics can do a lot for his system.
Could you guys throw out any possible ideas that can lower the cost of the system he running already?
RE: Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
From a mechanical efficiency point of view I would guess you will not be able to save anything. Definitely not enough to get you into a different size motor.
RE: Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
Does the Dow change over time as the pants grow? Two different sized pumps might be better.
Do all six trays operate at the same flow?
Work out your requirement and challenge all nominal flows or assumptio.
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.
RE: Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
I'm going to simulate as many possibilities in pipe flow expert software and that can help me narrow down some options.
Thanks again everybody.
RE: Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
Pipe straight down with three tees either side and a simple regulating valve to control flow in each layer on each side. Head of water will be constant so once you've got the right flow you shouldn't need to change valve or experiment with sections of small tube to reduce flow - even cheaper and simpler.
Bigger pumps tend to be more efficient so if the size means your pump starts and stops a few time per hour then OK - size your tanks appropriately to cope with that. The duty is quite fixed ( head difference from one tank to the other - 6 feet or so plus some friction losses ) so you can find the most efficient pump and then size your pipe accordingly ( the bigger the better) to reduce losses
You'll need make up water to be added somewhere along the line from time to time.
Power is normally an absolute killer CAPEX cost in remote locations so if you can make it Solar powered all the better.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.
RE: Optimize Re-circulation of Hyrdoponic System
These have a tendency to block drippers and increase your head pressure unless preventive maintenance is done on a regular basis.
Now if your concern is only the return lines I cannot help you.
B.E.
You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.