The Study of Fluid Flows in Difference Hydroponics System Arrangements

Abstract:

This work studied fluid flow in the hydroponics systems to create 4 prototypes of the hydroponics systems; horizontal (traditional), inclined-flow, vertical-droplet and vertical-bowl systems, for a household application with initial conditions as low investment cost and easy installation. Red Oak was used to plant in all prototypes to investigate the prototype productivity. Fluid in the experimental investigation was the plant nutrient solution. All variables; fluid and ambient temperatures, fluid pH and sunlight intensity were measured 2 times a day from 4 systems placed in the same area and environment during 15 days of the experimental period in July 2013,. From results, the solution temperatures affected the productivity less than the fluid flow patterns did. The vertical-droplet system could not be used to grow Red Oak because the plants died during the experiment period. The vertical-bowl system could provide the highest productivity. We noticed that the fluid in the vertical-bowl system flowed transitionally while the flow in the other systems was laminar. Therefore, the fluid flow patterns could affect the productivity in the hydroponics systems.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 804)
• Pages: 267-270
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.804.267
• Online since: October 2015
• Authors: Anchasa Pramuanjaroenkij*, Suratsawadee Naiyanart, Pattara Hintong, Anusorn Sanbun
• Keywords: Fluid, Heat Transfer, Hydroponics, Laminar, Transient

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