Thesis Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering University of Rizal System-Morong 2023

The study aimed to design and develop an indoor solar-powered aquaponics system suitable for growing ornamental fish and hydroponic plants. To evaluate its performance, various variables such as functional suitability, usability, reliability, maintainability, and safety were considered. The study was conducted in the southern municipalities of Rizal province, specifically Morong to Jalajala, during the academic year 2022-2023. The researchers built and developed the output device in a residential house located in Tanay, Rizal. The study developed an indoor solar-powered aquaponics system for growing ornamental fish and hydroponic plants, with real-time monitoring of water quality parameters such as water temperature, pH level, Total Dissolve Solids, and nitrate level, and LED lamps for indoor plant growth. Results showed high growth rates and low mortality rates for both fish and plants, indicating the system's effectiveness and compatibility. The study also evaluated battery charging time and energy savings, finding the system efficient with reasonable charging time. Finally, the device's performance was evaluated using a weighted mean of functional suitability, usability, reliability, maintainability, and safety. The study utilized developmental and descriptive research methods to develop and test an indoor solar-powered aquaponics system for ornamental fish and hydroponic plants. The researchers investigated the required materials and used IoT and Arduino Uno R3 to control the system. The system underwent extensive testing, and an expert evaluated its safety and usability. A researcher-made questionnaire checklist based on the ISO/IEC 25010 product quality model was used to evaluate the system's performance. The system's effectiveness was evaluated in terms of growth rate, mortality rate, and compatibility of the organisms and aquaponics system. This study focused to create a small-scale, indoor aquaponics system powered by solar energy for sustainable food production in urban areas. The system had real-time monitoring of water quality parameters to maintain optimal conditions for the fish and plants. The study also found that using LED lamps during nighttime led to improved plant growth. The system's effectiveness was evaluated, and it showed no fish mortality over a one-month period. The study provided valuable insights into optimal battery charging times to increase efficiency and can be used for the development and implementation of similar systems in the future. The study found that the developed indoor solar-powered aquaponic system for ornamental fish and hydroponic plants was highly acceptable in terms of functional suitability, usability, reliability, maintainability, and safety. The study emphasizes the importance of following safety guidelines and maintaining the system properly. The user's manual enables end-users to operate and maintain the system safely and efficiently. The findings were deemed to be useful for improving the design and development of indoor aquaponics systems in the future, providing a sustainable source of food production in urban areas and minimizing environmental impact. The developed aquaponics system included real-time monitoring and LED lamps for plant growth, proving effective in promoting growth and maintaining good health of both fish and plants. The battery was found to be highly efficient, charging in approximately 11 hours of useful daylight. Meanwhile, respondents found the system's performance highly acceptable, with a comprehensive user manual provided for operation, maintenance, and safety guidelines. The study concludes that the system was cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. The researchers recommend extending the duration of the study to assess long-term performance and sustainability, adding sensors for real-time monitoring of oxygen levels, exploring alternative energy sources, and performing regular maintenance to maintain organism health and growth. Further research is needed to identify potential areas for improvement. These recommendations could help enhance the system's efficiency and effectiveness while promoting sustainable agriculture.