2014 … 2017 Ion-specific nutrient management – dosing devices

Together with the Humboldt University in Berlin, the project was continued "development of a system for ion-specific control of the nutrition of crops in cultivation in greenhouses". The cooperation project focused on the development of a system for ion-specific control of the nutrition of crops in the greenhouse cultivation. This task was divided into 3 areas:

  1. Ion-selective measurement of chemical parameters present in the nutrient solution of greenhouse cultures.
  2. Determination of the setpoint values ​​for the chemical parameters as the difference between measured value and desired value-dependent growth.
  3. Dosing of the individual components in the circuit.

Description

Large greenhouses systems are managed intensively. The plants are doing mostly bred as hydroponics. The roots, water is supplied with the necessary nutrients. The water is replenished at a central station with the necessary chemical substances. evaporates some of the water and is led back into the cycle. The chemical substances are partially consumed. The unused by-products accumulate in the water of the circuit. After a short period of time to the water becomes unusable by this enrichment. It is completely changed. The byproducts get it into the environment. Byproducts cause damage or cause disposal costs. The aim of the project was, to optimize the dose so, that 1) the plants are well supplied and 2) the usage time of the water is extended to infinity.

Measurement

The measurement of the parameters of water was carried out with ion-selective electrodes (ISE). These sensors require regular calibration. Therefore a calibration machine was developed by the University.

Control

The nutrient solution for the plants should be made 8 Components are assembled. But these components are not chemically pure substances and have cross-connections or vehicles. Therefore, a special algorithm must be used.

Another challenge was, that incompatibilities between the substances are to be observed.

 

 

Berlin pump group

The measurement- and dosing systems are still running in my view.

The object is located here:

Display of localization in the external Link.

My services:

  • Conception of the dosing system
  • Consultancy existing industrial metering systems
  • Installation and adjustment on site

My client:

  • DOSATRONIC GmbH, Ravensburg
  • Humboldt University of Berlin, Section Biological Systems

Sources:

 

 


 

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