DIY 150 PSI Aeroponics Design Review

Aeroponics

  • Worked for me

    Votes: 2 50.0%
  • I gave up

    Votes: 1 25.0%
  • Not interested in it

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Want to give it a go

    Votes: 1 25.0%

  • Total voters
    4

ChinaChili

New Member
Hello everyone here, I am new here and this is my first post. I am not a bud grower, I am from the USA and live and work in China. I am going to be growing hot Chili peppers that aren't available here like Naga Viper, Habenero, Jalapeno.

I've been researching HP Aeroponics for 3 weeks now and have a system designed but I need some help and am hoping some of you may able to give me some advise. First let me introduce the system.

The system is going to be modular. Meaning that their are "Plug and Play" components. The system will also be recirculating. The main components are:

1) HPWS System - High Pressure Water Supply: For this I will be using a large Pelican case (Chinese knock off). there will be 4 inlets and 4 outlets to this system. Both the 4 inlets and outlets are stainless steel connected to their own stainless steel manifold. The inlet manifold connects to a stainless steel & PP 5 micron filter which then connects to the self-priming 150 PSI diaphragm pump. The pump then has an electric pressure switch connected to it and after this there is a relief valve set to 150 PSI. Next comes the 5L 200 PSI accumulator and then a pressure gauge which is inset into the pelican case to be viewed when the case is shut. Finally the other manifold is connected attaching mini ball valves and then on to the four outlets. The inlets and outlets are stainless steel quick connects for 16mm tubing and are mounted on the walls of the case so from the outside you just see 8 stainless steel connectors and a pressure gauge.

2) TWDD System - Timed Water Delivery Device. The timed water device systems are the brains of the system. Each outlet (4 of them) has their own tube with their own brain. This consists of a pressure regulator with a pressure gauge attached to it and next a solenoid valve. The solenoid valves have their own stock standard timers on them which has a 5 - 10 seconds on and 5 - 45 minutes off function. These were quite the find. These independently operating brains can allow independent nozzle firings at different intervals maximizing efficient use of the high pressure water supply. These brains are then connected to the grow chambers.


Solenoid Valve with Timer (Google: Timer Drain Valve)

3) WRGC - Water Reservoir Grow Chamber: Each plant will have an individual grow chamber that is around 30cm by 30cm by 1 meter. I've designed this system to make a modular interface that allows for quick and easy breakdown and transport. The 4 grow chambers have ball valve and quick connector to a tube at the bottom that leads back to the 4 inlets to the HPWS System feeding the pump.

I have a few questions now I'd like to ask:

1) Root Length. I want my roots to always be suspended in air but I want to cancel the use of a central reservoir and have each of the 4 grow chambers nutrients at the bottom. My question is, do roots grow longer than 1 meter in an aeroponics system? I don't want my roots to be submerged or in direct contact with water.

2) Nozzles. My system will most likely be running at between 120 to 130 PSI. I will have 4 outlets (1/2 Inch) pushing water out into 4 12mm inner diameter hoses at a 60mm to 100mm length. Realistically how many nozzles would I be able to attach to this system.

3) Any advice or feedback on the system as it stands now

I'm attaching a flowchart of the system and photos of the components. If anyone is interested so far this setup is just over 500 USD. The stainless steel manifolds are sold with up to 8 outputs. I'm hoping this modular system can be developed further and made available commercially if it works well. The comparable parts in the states are much more expensive, being in China has its perks when it comes to purchasing (its cheaper!).

So thanks for reading this long post if you've gotten this far, glad to join the club, even if I'm only growing Chilis.
 

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Photons

Active Member
Hello, I am interested in your project. I have been trying to find a good source to learn how to build a high pressure aeroponics system. I tried opening your files, but it just shows a black screen...

Please let me know if you can assist me on building this as well. I am currently trying to put together a vertical farm for a school using HPA.

Thanks
 

Atomizer

Well-Known Member
You`ll find those timers are not easy to set, you`ll have something like a one in a 100 chance of hitting the exact same timing twice ;) They are designed to auto drain the condensate from an air compressor where accuracy isnt essential. The maximum number of nozzles is related to the pump flowrate, nozzle flowrate and cycle timing but its likely to be far more than you need to use.
 

AKGrowAreo

Well-Known Member
Why are you going to run HPA, because it "cool"? That would be the only real reason. I always love to see fully operational HPA grows because I am into tech stuff like that, but the bottom line is, its an unnecessary overkill. HPA or TAG is not all its cracked out to be! I have run a few side my side comparisons between HPA and LPA and the only consistent difference is about 5% increased yields from the HPA. No improvement in quality whatsoever. So why does anyone run HPA? I dont know. The big reason why I have abandoned all of my past HPA grows for LPA grows is because it takes a lot more work and maintenance for HPA with very little added benefit.
 
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