Project Description
Application details
Runtime:
1.4.2023-31.3.2025
Our expertise:
IoT-Technology
Aquaponics
Spatial data visualization
Studio:
Smart Digital Industries & Services
Partner:
No artificial fertilizers, a reduced use of pesticides and up to 97% less water consumption? Aquaponics makes it possible. In our research project we deal with efficient, decentralized and sustainable food production in combination with IoT technologies
IoT technologies can be used to help inexperienced operators to get started and to put them into practice. However, the basic concepts of the IoT aspects of aquaponics relevant for the circular economy and similar approaches are already well researched. Therefore, together with the FH St. Pölten Forschungs GmbH, the Austrian Institute of Technology, the technology service provider Beia and the Lower Austrian start-up AndersFarm, we are investigating the process optimization of individual plants beyond IoT, through the (digital) integration of multiple participants* and the influence of such a distributed approach on established parameters of the circular economy. Among others, we are investigating the impact of community building on the degree of circularity of aquaponic plants.
Our goals are …
… to close material cycles
- EdeN develops recycling concepts for recyclable materials in individual plants and in the distributed production network of several operators.
- EdeN contributes to the efficient use of knowledge, valuable materials and energy.
… to intensify the use of products
- EdeN increases the yield of an aquaponics system through intelligent control.
- EdeN stellt eine Bauanleitung für ein Aquaponik-System aus Recycling-Material zur Verfügung.
… to optimize the use of resources
- EdeN uses smart IoT control to reduce energy and raw material use.
- EdeN uses an innovative design and conceives an energy self-sufficient system – thus further reducing the use of energy and raw materials.
We see great opportunities in the expansion and optimization of existing agriculture through digital technologies. Many farmers have already discovered aquaponics systems for themselves. EdeN is developing solutions with high innovation content: In various EU projects such as Productive 4.0 and ArrowheadTools, the Arrowhead IoT Framework is being developed, which enables intelligent IoT applications. Devices such as Raspberry Pis, microcontrollers and others are used for measurement and transmission purposes. We propose the use of 6LoWPAN for low energy communication. By using RPL protocol, low energy and fault tolerant communication is provided. We bring expertise in infrastructure and data management based on projects such as Data Market Austria, TRUSTS, Safe-DEED and Web of Needs.
EdeN as a system and know-how supplier
The project serves as a basis for new business areas of AndersFarm and BEIA as system and know-how suppliers for aquaponic farming. AndersFarm already offers rudimentary control systems and consulting services for interested customers. The project results will be transferred into a prototype with the implementation partner BEIA and offered as a new product in an IoT-based aquaponics system. The developed concepts are the basis for new products at AndersFarm and BEIA and are expected to facilitate adoption by untrained farmers and drastically lower barriers to entry. New customer segments and distribution channels are expected to help increase the revenue of fish and vegetables sold and the number of plants sold. The number of aquaponics plants in Austria is expected to increase by 50% in the first year after the end of the project and by another 75% in the second year. The EdeN project is ultimately expected to contribute to greater food security and have a major impact on urban agriculture efforts. The results are to be marketed worldwide and the knowledge database is to promote the independent establishment of an aquaponics system without implementation partners.
- Benefits for other forms of agriculture: EdeN provides general technology, circular economy, and energy concepts also for other forms of local and artificially controlled agriculture. The goal is to increase yield while decreasing resources and energy use. The structure and structure of the knowledge base can be immediately transferred to other fields. The IoT platform for optimal control of the plant is also relevant for other areas with minor adaptation in sensor technology.
- Benefits for customers: Aquaponics systems can counteract the increasing trend towards urbanization by contributing to resource optimization, reduction of transport costs and security of supply. Short delivery distances and transparent production guarantee healthy and sustainable food for customers. Through modifications, the systems are almost energy self-sufficient and promote resource-saving food production as well as local, sustainable distribution. In the EdeN project, the systems were further developed to promote the circular economy and ensure a high level of supply security.
- Database for future R&D: The collected IoT data can be used for further R&D projects in the field of aquaponics.a The research results of EdeN are additionally used the PhD project of Jamilya Nurgazina at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Therefore, further exploration and improvement of the developed frameworks is possible within an extended timeframe.
- Effects in terms of sustainability: The potential of IoT technologies for the circular economy is undisputed. The use of digital technologies can contribute to more sustainable supply chains and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
Our research team
