A vertical farm creates productivity in a small space. Fish and vegetable production takes place year-round in an enclosed hall. Each crop has its own climate zone. The facility combines a decoupled aquaculture system with vertical hydroponic modules arranged in multiple levels.
The vertical farm requires a lot of electricity but little heat. Since LED lighting provides both light and heat, energy costs are a crucial factor in its profitability. The lack of sunlight and the high initial investment place special demands on the business model. The vertical arrangement of the cultivation areas enables high production density in a small space—a clear advantage in urban areas with limited or expensive land.
Aquaculture and hydroponics typically require a room-within-a-room concept in which specific climate zones are maintained. Such a concept can also be integrated into existing buildings, provided the climatic requirements can be met. In such cases, the various work and production areas are adapted accordingly. Office and storage spaces, on the other hand, can be integrated more flexibly into the overall concept.
Precise climate control regulates temperature and humidity, while excess moisture is reclaimed. Unlike greenhouses, all air exchange occurs through a central ventilation system. Filters clean the incoming air, and emergency systems ensure operation in the event of outages. This creates a stable microclimate that ensures consistent quality and high yields.
Hydroponic growing systems minimize the need for nutrient solution, and sensors monitor pH, electrical conductivity, and CO₂ concentration. Optionally, a CO₂ source can be used to increase the concentration to approximately 1,000 ppm, thus promoting plant growth.
Various types of aquaculture can be implemented in the aquaculture zone. In contrast to universal plastic round tanks, in this example, trout are fattened in long-flow tanks at approximately 16°C. These tanks are efficient in terms of space utilization, temperature-stable, and allow for easy flow generation. Due to the significant temperature differences between fish and plant culture, the aquaculture system is decoupled.
Here, too, sensors continuously monitor water parameters such as oxygen content, temperature, pH and conductivity.
In addition to climate control, nutrient supply, and nutrient content of the nutrient solution, LED lighting is also tailored to the needs of the cultures, allowing flexible adjustments of light intensity, spectrum, and cycles. Automated feeding systems dose feed in aquaculture according to the fish's weight gain. Alarm systems detect temperature deviations or water quality problems and enable rapid intervention. These technologies significantly reduce manual labor and improve production efficiency.
| Product | Cultivation method / fattening period | Cycles / Stock density | Yield (ready to cook) | Yield (smoked) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydroponics | ||||
| Lettuce | 3.306 sqm | 22.8 | 3.295.666 pcs | |
| Basil | 3.306 sqm | 15 | 65.900 kg | |
| Aquaculture | ||||
| Trout | 232 days | 40 kg | 18.773 kg | 3.960 kg |
The vertical farm combines innovative technologies with sustainability and resource conservation, but requires high initial investments. It offers a solution for year-round production of high-quality food and can be flexibly adapted to local conditions. Combined with an environmentally friendly energy source and a focus on efficiency, product quality, and environmental friendliness, such a system sets standards in modern agriculture.
Gelderner Straße 139
47661 Issum
info@aquaponik-manufaktur.de
Gelderner Straße 139
47661 Issum
info@aquaponik-manufaktur.de