Project Description

A team is solving the problem of time and attention required to maintain environmental control of an Aquaponics system.Various aspects of an Aquaponics system need monitored and adjusted to maintain a safe environment for the fish and plants growing within the system. The time and attention required to maintain the system might be cumbersome for those with occupational and familial responsibilities. The control system will attempt to monitor water temperature, water flow, oxygen levels, light exposure, and nitrate levels via external sensors. The initial thought is to utilize a PLC with enough I/O ports to accommodate the I/O's of the Aquaponics system. The output devices, such as heating elements, water pumps, air pumps, grow lights, and backup filtration will be activated by the PLC and in accord with the parameters the user sets via a user interface. The control system should provide assurance to the customer that their system is being maintained while they are tending to responsibilities that are more important.

Detailed Block Diagram

- Create a mission statement based on a solid foundation of the issue we are attempting to solve.

- Create a Gantt or PERT chart for project management.

o Research patents and similar technologies.
o Consider subsystem cost comparison between available technology versus in-house creation.