Project Oasis - Aquaponic System to Produce Food in a Sustainable and Completely Natural System

Cover Memo

Project Oasis created an aquaponic system to produce food in a sustainable and completely natural system. One of the fundamental aspects is the bacteria which converts fish waste into a usable food source for plants. The plants filter the water and return it fresh and clean to the fish. We were tasked with designing a roof to cover part of the aquaponic system which includes three 55-gallon barrel drums; i.e. Sump, Moving Bed Bioreactor and Radial Flow Settler, and one cylindrical fish tank, i.e. 250-500-gallon tank. The roof we created has a low cost to build targeted at under $2500. It assembles like a kit with only a mallet and man power after the four first posts are cemented into the ground. All the other posts and connectors are LN1 force fits. The top posts fit through the nylon tarp just like a tent would be assembled. A key component to our design is the nylon material is completely opaque and UV ray protective, which satisfies one of the most important design criteria. The dimensions of the roof frame are 12’ x 12’ x 8’ with a 14.04-degree pitch (See Figure 1 and Figure 2), which is standard for southern climates. The arrangement of the four components allows for 14” of overhang minimum on all areas of the system with 1 ½’ space between each component for maintenance. (See Figure 3) The roof also has an adjustable top. The entire top part of the roof can slide down to a height of 40” which allows for 6” of clearance between the bottom of the roof base and the top of tallest component. (See Figure 4) Sliding the roof down should only require the help of two individuals capable of lifting 60 lbs. each, and an additional person to secure the pins. The entire top of the roof weighs 115.05 lbs. The pins that secure the roof are capable of withstanding 600 N of force with a factor of safety of around 26. (See Figure 5) The main selling feature is the convenience of building the roof as all the posts slide into two different connectors. (See Figure 6) The product has many other purposes other than roofing an aquaponic system. Potentially this roof could go into the recreation industry such as camping and hiking. It’s an easy setup such as tent or pop up but a more durable system overall.

Figure 1: Roof Dimensions

Figure 2: Top View Roof Dimensions

Figure 3: Component Dimensions

Figure 4: Side View of Roof Slid Down Posts

Figure 5: Simulation on Pin of 600 N Force

Figure 5: Top Connector

Figure 6: Side Post Connector

Background

Problem Statement

Project Oasis tasked us with creating a layout of part of their aquaponics system and designing a roof to cover the system in Costa Rica. The specific section of the system includes a Sump, Moving Bed Bioreactor, Radial Flow Settler, and Cylindrical Fish Tank. The problem is to figure out specific dimensions of the system components and roof while adhering to the customer needs.

Customer Needs

• General Schematic and 3D Model of System for Costa Rica

• Sump (55 Gallon Barrel), Moving Bed Bioreactor (55 Gallon Barrel) and Radial Flow Settler (55 Gallon