BLOG# 3 -Edible Algae System - (Growing Spirulina in space)

Research Instrumentation

version 1.1

This is my 3rd blog post in a series of blog post for the Design Challenge 1 Meter of Pi

Introduction

• The Blog will include my research on Instrumentation needed including the Challenger kit, to aid in growing of Spirulina in the Growing Housing (GH) Unit.
• The following instruments and sensors will be used in the system.
• The Challenger kit usage will be described in another blog post.

Parts List

This is a list of parts needed to implement the growling process of Spirulina in 1 of the four Growing Housing Units in the system.

Growing Environment Unit Parts.

• 20 gallon Tank
• LED Lamps
• Aquarium Heater
• Aquarium thermometer
  • Temperature probe
• Aquarium Air Pump
  • Air tubing/diffuser w/ check valve.
• PH Probe
• Mesh Tank Cover with Velcro fasteners.

Growing Housing Parts

• Small Heater
• 2 small computer fans.

• Power strip
• Extension chord

Controller Unit Parts

• 2 Raspberry Pi 4 2GB
• PIM487 Automation HAT Mini
• PIM486  Enviro HAT for Raspberry Pi
• PIM300  PICO HAT Hacker

Parts Descriptions

The following sections describe each part and when applicable, give inks to suggested parts available on the internet.

Growing Environment Unit Parts.

• 20 gallon Tank

  • A 20 gallon can be used to grow your spirulina.
  • You can pick one up at your local pet store.

• LED Lamps

  • The Amount of light exposure can have a direct effect on growing Spirulina
  • • Studies show it can improve the growth rate:
    • a light can be turned ON every hour for 45 minutes and OFF fo r15 minutes from 7am to 10pm
    • You will use the controller to switch on/off the light
      • you can use any light source and can place the lamp on the top or side of the tank.

• Maintaining the Temperature of the water

  • Aquarium Heater

  • • an aquarium heater is a self contained heater/thermostat that is used to regulate the water temperature in a fish tank.
    • Get one with a thermostat that allows setting it to a range of between 8C (46.4F) AND  45C (113F),

• • • • studies have found that the ideal temperature is 35C (95F) and you want to make sure you can set it to this temperature.
      • Then you can turn the heater on/off with the readings from a probe sensor, placed in the tank to regulate he ideal temperature to grow the Spirulina. The thermostat will  assure that the tank is never overheated. acting as a safety valve.
      • You can order one on the internet SALUTE Aquarium Heater
      • I couldn't find a model that had a thermostat upper setting of 35C (95F).
    • Or you can select a model without a thermostat and not have a safety valve.
      • you can also monitor the temperature by reading a probe sensor.
      • You can order one on the internet FINNEX THS

• • Temperature Probe Sensor

• • • is used to obtain the temperature of the water in the tank
    • It will record the temperature of the water.
    • It is used to maintain the temperature of the water by switching the heater on/off when the water temp hits the ideal temperature of  35C (95F)
    • There is one available on the internet DB18B20+(waterproof temperature sensor)

• • • It also has a raspberry PI project to connect it and program it  Here

• Aquarium Air Pump

  • Oxidization in the water can be obtained by switching On/Off an AIR Pump attached to a hose in the tank.

• • it can be switch On/Offfrom the controller unit 1 minute 3 times a day

  • You will also need Air tubing/diffuser w/ check valve.

  • Here is one I found on the internet.
    • Hygger Mini Aquarium Air Pump Kit Small Fish Tank Air Pump 1W for 1-20 Gallon Fish Bowl with Air Tube Air Bubbler Stone Check Valve (1W)

• PH Probe

• • Check the Ph with a sensor

• • The PH level should be between 9 and 11

• • Adding baking soda can be used to bring up the alkalinity.

• • There is one available on the internet   but it is pricey$
    • Atlas Scientific pH Kit 0-14 pH $164.00
  • It also has a raspberry PI project to connect it and program it
    • How to Connect a pH Sensor to a Raspberry Pi

• Mesh Tank Cover with Velcro fasteners. (Optimal)

  • The cover is used to cover the tank to keep unwanted material out. The Velcro is used to attach it to the tank]

Growing Housing Parts

The following parts will be used inside the Growing Housing (GH) to maintain an ideal environment outside of the Growing Environment Unit. (GEU).

• Small Heater

• • A small personal heater is sufficient to heat the quitter meter cube.

• • • Honeywell HeatBud 250 Watt Personal Ceramic Heater, Black (HCE100)

• 2 small computer fans.

  • the fans will be used for air intake and air outtake in and out of the growing housing unit.

1. 1. • Standard Square Axial Fan, 1 15/16 in Height, 1 15/16 in Width, 3/8 in Depth, 5V DC, Lead Wires

• Power strip

  • A power strip to plug everything iin.

• Extension chord

  • Extension cords to run from the power strip inside to a wall outlet outside the Growing Unit.

Controller Unit Parts

The following  Parts have been provided by element14 to me for this design challenge. I have included a link to order these parts for your project.

Conclusion and summary

• This blog has listed the Parts needed for the system
• It has described all the parts needed.

• The next Blog will include my research and Unboxing of the Challenger kit to aid in the growing of Spirulina in the Growing Housing. GH Unit