Spirulina Kube
Idea: 250,715
Grow & Harvest Spirulina in an Automated Solar-Powered System
Imagine growing your own superfood, Spirulina, effortlessly ā powered entirely by the sun. Iām developing a concept for a self-sustaining, solar-powered Spirulina cultivation system, built around an IBC tote with integrated harvesting, drying, and dispensing capabilities.
š¦ Core Components
- IBC Tote: 275ā330 gallon container as the primary bioreactor.
- Clear Plastic Tubing Loop: Pumps circulate Spirulina culture through the tubing to maximize light exposure and growth.
- Solar Power System: A solar panel array powers all electronics, including:
- Water Circulation Pump
- Aerator / CO2 Injection Pump: Introduces CO2 to accelerate growth.
- ESP32 Controller: Monitors sensors, automates pump cycles, and manages system functions.
- Peristaltic Pump: Doses growth minerals and nutrients.
š§ļø Rainwater Collection
The system includes a rain catchment mechanism, filtering and diverting rainwater into the IBC tote to replenish water levels naturally ā reducing the need for manual refills.
āļø Automated Harvesting & Drying
- Harvest Mechanism: Two design concepts:
- Archimedes Screw: Gently lifts Spirulina biomass from the tote to the drying unit.
- Inclined Conveyor Belt: Moves Spirulina to the drying section.
- Drying System: A solar-assisted drying chamber or low-power heated mesh conveyor, optimized to dry the Spirulina without degrading nutrients.
- Once dried, the Spirulina is dispensed into a collection bin, ready for packaging or consumption.
š§ Automation & Control
An onboard ESP32 microcontroller:
- Tracks culture density, temperature, pH, and water levels.
- Automates nutrient dosing via peristaltic pump.
- Optimizes growth cycles based on environmental data.
- Optional remote monitoring via WiFi or LoRa connectivity.
ā Why This Matters
- Sustainable Nutrition: Spirulina is protein-rich, packed with micronutrients, and requires minimal space and water compared to traditional agriculture.
- Low Maintenance: The system is designed to run autonomously for weeks with minimal human intervention.
- Renewable-Powered: Solar energy minimizes operational costs and environmental impact.
This project merges DIY bioengineering, automation, and renewable energy to make homegrown superfoods practical and scalable.
