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Controlled environment agriculture is a promising alternative to conventional production methods, as it is less affected by climate change and is often more sustainable, especially in circular and recycling frameworks such as aquaponics. A major cost factor in such facilities, however, is the need for skilled labor. Depending on available resources, there are endless possibilities on how to choose ingredients to realize a desired nutrient solution. At the same time, the composition of the desired solution is subject to fluctuations in fish water quality, fertilizer availability, weather, and plant development. In high-evaporation scenarios, e.g., summer, nutrient solutions might be mixed multiple times per day. This results in a complex, multi-variable task that is time-consuming to solve manually, yet requires frequent resolution. This work aims to help solve this challenge by providing methods to automate the nutrient mixing procedure. A simple mass-balance-based model of a nutrient mixing tank with connections to different water sources, drains, and fertilizers is provided. Using methods of static optimization, a program was developed which, in consideration of various process constraints and optimization variables, is able to calculate the necessary steps to mix the desired solution. The program code is provided in an open-source repository. The flexibility of the method is demonstrated in simulation scenarios. The program is easy to use and to adapt, and all necessary steps are explained in this paper. This work contributes to a higher automation level in CEA.

La horticultura urbana y periurbana (HUP) presenta grandes desafíos, como la poca disponibilidad en el suministro del agua y de tierra. No existen datos sobre la cantidad de agua que se utiliza para la producción de hortalizas en la Ciudad de México (CDMX). Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue la estimación de los rendimientos y la productividad del agua para dos hortalizas representativas en jardines urbanos: lechuga romana y tomate cherry en 13 huertos urbanos de la CDMX. Asimismo, se estimó el volumen de agua de lluvia que se puede almacenar en cada huerto, utilizando la estación meteorológica más cercana. El rendimiento y la eficiencia del uso del agua para la producción de lechuga oscilaron entre 0.10 y 1.20 kg m-2, así como de 0.21 a 2.93 kg m-3 de agua, respectivamente. Estos indicadores, para el caso de tomate cherry, estuvieron entre 0.25 y 3.40 kg m-2 y entre 0.32 y 5.52 kg m-3 de agua, respectivamente. El riego en los huertos se hace de manera empírica y utilizando agua potable; el exceso en el suministro de agua puede ir de 0.27 a 0.4 m3 m-2 para un ciclo completo de lechuga y tomate cherry, respectivamente. Utilizando una probabilidad de excedencia del 80 %, se estimó la captación de agua de lluvia para todo el año, generando un almacenamiento acumulado entre 0.261 y 0.5215 m3 m-2 en los huertos urbanos. Esta cantidad de agua podría suplir los requerimientos hídricos de lechuga (de 0.128 a 0.389 m3 m-2) o tomate cherry (de 0.145 a 0.569 m3 m-2) para un ciclo completo.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are an energy efficient alternative to high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting in tomato cultivation. In the past years, we have learned a lot about the effect of red and blue LEDs on plant growth and yield of tomatoes. From previous studies, we know that plants absorb and utilize most of the visible spectrum for photosynthesis. This part of the spectrum is referred to as the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). We designed a LED fixture with an emission spectrum that partially matches the range of 400 to 700 nm and thus partially covers the absorption spectrum of photosynthetic pigments in tomato leaves. Tomato plants grown under this fixture were significantly taller and produced a higher fruit yield (14%) than plants grown under HPS lighting. There was no difference in the number of leaves and trusses, leaf area, stem diameter, the electron transport rate, and the normalized difference vegetation index. Lycopene and lutein contents in tomatoes were 18% and 142% higher when they were exposed to the LED fixture. However, the ß-carotene content was not different between the light treatments. Transpiration rate under LED was significantly lower (40%), while the light use efficiency (LUE) was significantly higher (19%) compared to HPS lighting. These data show that an LED fixture with an emission spectrum covering the entire PAR range can improve LUE, yields, and content of secondary metabolites in tomatoes compared to HPS lighting.

Combining information of plant physiological processes with climate control systems can improve control accuracy in controlled environments as greenhouses and plant factories. Through that, resource optimization can be achieved. To predict the plant physiological processes and implement them in control actions of interest, a reliable monitoring system and a capable control system are needed. In this paper, we focused on the option to use real-time crop monitoring for precision climate control in greenhouses. For that, we studied the processes and external factors influencing leaf net CO2 assimilation rate (AL, µmol CO2 m-2 s-1) as possible variables of a plant performance indicator. While measured greenhouse environmental variables such as light, temperature, or humidity showed a direct relation between AL and light-quantum yield of photosystem II (Φ2), we defined three objectives: (1) to explore the relationship between climate variables and AL, as well as Φ2; (2) create a simple and reliable method for real‐time prediction of AL with continuously Φ2 measurements; and (3) calibrate parameters to predict chloroplast electron transport rate as input in AL modelling. Due to practical obstacles in measuring CO2 gas-exchange in commercial production, we explored a method to predict AL by measuring Φ2 of leaves in a commercial hydroponic greenhouse tomato crop (“Pureza”). We calculated AL with two different approaches based on either the negative exponential response model with simplified biochemical equations (marked as Model I) or the non-rectangular hyperbola full biochemical photosynthetic models (marked as Model II). Using Model I can only be used to predict AL with large uncertainty (R2 0.64; RMSE 2.21), while using Φ2 as input to Model II could be used to improve the prediction accuracy of AL (R2 0.71; RMSE 1.98). Our results suggests that (1) Φ2 light signals can be used to predict net photosynthesis rate with high accuracy; (2) a parameterized photosynthetic electron transport rate model is suitable predicting measured electron transport rate (J) and AL. The system can be used as decision support system (DSS) for plant and crop performance monitoring when leaf-dynamics are up-scaled to the plant or crop level.

Shortage of water availability and awareness of the need for sustainable resource management have generated a significant increase in the use of recycled water for irrigation and processing of crops and harvest products, respectively. As a result, irrigation systems face the challenge of neutralizing plant pathogens to reduce the risk of their dispersal and the subsequent occurrence of diseases with potentially high economic impacts. We evaluated the efficacy of an innovative electrolytic disinfection system based on potassium hypochlorite (KCLO) to inactivate major pathogens in hydroponically grown tomatoes: Fusarium oxysporum (Synder and Hans), Rizocthonia solani (Kühn), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV). The electrolytically derived disinfectant was prepared on-site and added to the recirculating fertigation solution once a week for 60 min in an automated manner using sensor technology at a dosage of 0.5 mg of free chlorine/L (fertigation solution at pH 6.0 ± 0.3 and ORP 780 ± 31 mV). Tomato fruit yield and pathogen dispersal were determined for 16 weeks. At the applied dosage, the disinfectant has been shown to inhibit the spread of plant pathogenic fungi and, remarkably, plant viruses in recirculating fertigation solutions. Phytotoxic effects did not occur.

Concepts of semi-closed greenhouses can be used to save energy, whereas their technical equipment often causes a decrease in the light received by the plants. Nevertheless, higher yields are achieved, which are presumably triggered by a higher CO2 concentration in the greenhouse and associated higher photosynthesis because of the technical cooling and the longer period of closed ventilation. Therefore, we examined the effects of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and CO2 concentration on plant photosynthesis and transpiration in tomato using a multiple cuvette gas exchange system. In a growth chamber experiment, we demonstrated that a light-mediated reduction in photosynthesis can be compensated or even overcompensated for by rising CO2 concentration. Increasing the CO2 concentration from 400 to 1000 µmol mol−1 within the PPFD range from 303 to 653 µmol m−2 s−1 resulted in an increase in net photosynthesis of 51%, a decrease in transpiration of 5 to 8%, and an increase in photosynthetic water use efficiency of 60%. Estimations showed that light reductions of 10% can be compensated for via increasing the CO2 concentration by about 100 µmol mol−1 and overcompensated for by about 40% if CO2 concentration is kept at 1000 instead of 400 µmol mol−1.

The design of every power supply system must guarantee the safety for human life even in the event of a fault. Due to the system change in the electrical power supply, the fault current contains more and more unknown shares of current harmonics. Especially in medium voltage grids, which are operated with resonant grounding, these are determining for the level of the single-pole ground fault current for determination of permissible touch voltages and compliance with the normative requirements of the European standard EN 50522 must therefore be re-evaluated. In its first part, this concept paper presents the frequency dependent principles of earth loops formed by the grounding system. The focus here is on cabled grids and the influence of connected structures of the low voltage grid. The second part deals with the superposition of these loop currents and the resulting earth currents in case of a line to ground fault. The authors address explicitly the frequency dependence of the current distribution and describe the expected behaviour for current harmonics. The proposed approaches result from processing the state of knowledge, research work and the evaluation of several measurements. The aim is to develop an understanding of the influence of the components connected to a grounding system and to derive generally applicable principles. Therefore, the authors present the results of recent measurements in the last part of the handed paper and point out the possibilities and limits of modeling. It is shown that a dedicated treatment of harmonic currents in the case of a single-pole fault is possible with the methods described. This allows these to be neglected in the estimation of touch voltages under specified circumstances, saving costs for the assessment of grounding systems.

Die Minimierung von Chlorat bei der elektrolytischen Gießwasserdesinfektion ist aufgrund problematischer Chloratrückstände in pflanzlichen Lebensmitteln von Bedeutung. Im Hinblick auf verfahrenstechnische Optimierungsvorschläge wurde daher am Beispiel einer Salzelektrolyseanlage (Einkammersystem) geprüft, wie viel Chlorat beim Herstellungsprozess des Desinfektionsmittels entsteht und wie sich dessen Anteil bei einer Lagerung unter warmen Temperaturbedingungen im Gewächshaus verändert. Zudem wurde untersucht, wie sich der Pflanzendünger Ammonium auf das Desinfektionsmittel auswirkt. Dabei ergab sich, dass die Chloratbildung durch eine Kühlung des Elektrolysereaktors sowie des Desinfektionsmitteltanks und durch ein zur Kurzzeitlagerung ausgelegtes Bevorratungssystem von Desinfektionsmittel minimiert werden könnte. Ferner wurde bestätigt, dass Ammonium den Desinfektionsmittelverbrauch bzw. Chlorateintrag deutlich erhöht. Daher empfiehlt sich eine sensorbasierte Dosierung, um sich ändernde chemische Vorgänge im Gießwasser (Chlorzehrung) zu berücksichtigen.

The knowledge about the behavior of cables is substantial in cases of transients or in cases of faults. However, there are only a few models that are tailored to the current requirements for calculations of transient phenomena in three-phase cable systems. These models are based on complex structures. PI-section cable models with simple structures were previously qualified only for calculations in the frequency domain. A new full frequency-dependent cable model to simulate transient phenomena is introduced and validated. The model is based on lumped parameters with cascaded frequency-dependent PI-sections. For the implementation and the integration in simulation tools, it is important to investigate the impact of the PI-section parameters to the accuracy, the stability and the mathematical robustness. In this work, the impact of the frequency dependence of cable parameters, the length distribution and the number of PI-sections on the results of the developed three-phase cable model have been discussed. For simulations in the time domain, two algorithms have been presented to optimize the number of PI-sections based on a specified accuracy.

Current atmospheric correction methods for breakdown and withstand voltages in long air-gap configurations show deviations in comparison to measurement data when applied to correct for unusual or atypical atmospheric conditions (i.e., altitudes above 2000 m a.s.l.). The corresponding standards IEC 60060 and IEC 60071 show inconsistencies, although both are being based upon the same measurements and empirical models. In its first part, the concept paper at hand presents the current knowledge and problems of atmospheric correction. In the second part, the authors outline the possible steps for a necessary new investigation as well as the algorithm of a hypothetical correction method. The proposed research is based upon the recent knowledge that any breakdown process in air-gap insulation consists of the sub-processes streamer and leader. While their characteristics seem to be independent of configuration and voltage form, their ratio and proportion varies, which, in turn, defines the value of breakdown voltage. Therefore, the authors propose a sub-process differentiated, measurement-based evaluation of the atmospheric influences air pressure, air humidity, air conductivity and temperature. The main goal is to develop a generic physical model of the breakdown process.

A 664 x 664 element Active Pixel image Sensor (APS) with integrated analog signal processing, full frame synchronous shutter and random access for applications in star sensors is presented and discussed. A thick vertical diode array in Thin Film on CMOS (TFC) technology is explored to achieve radiation hardness and maximum fill factor.

Production of indigenous African leafy vegetables such as African nightshade (Solanum scabrum Mill.), whose high nutritional and medicinal value is well documented is still limited due to insufficient preharvest techniques. Electric current is known to improve quality in food crops. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of direct-electric-current (DC) on growth and characteristic bioactive and health promoting compounds were evaluated in different morphological sections, i.e., leaves and stems of African nightshade cv. Olevolosi. Six weeks old plants were exposed to different DC applied with a voltage of 8 and 16 V, 10 h/day for 12 days. Non-treated plants served as control. Plant growth, primary and secondary plant compounds were evaluated. Applying DC increased leaf fresh (11.5-14.4%) and dry (12.1-24.2%) weight as well as marketable leaves (29.1-55.3%). Biosynthesis of chlorophylls and carotenoids was enhanced by increased DC. Furthermore, dietary fibre fractions such as hemicellulose was promoted (23.3-45.3%) by DC applications, while cellulose and lignin remained unaffected. Minerals accumulated with increasing DC. Alteration of cell membrane permeability due to DC may enhance physiological processes leading to the improved growth and acceleration of bioactive compounds in African nightshade leaves.

To reduce the rock wool waste, the present study is focused on the evaluation of sheep wool, Sphagnum and hemp slabs, which may be used as replacement for rock wool as growing substrate for hydroponic tomato production. As such, physical and chemical properties of substrates, the plant growth, yield, fruit characteristics, as well as primary and secondary metabolites of tomatoes were considered. The marketable fruit yield of plants grown in Sphagnum slabs (12.8 kg plant-1) was reduced to only a small extent compared to the yield produced by rock wool slabs (13.8 kg plant-1). Sheep wool (12.3 kg plant-1) and hemp (10.4 kg plant-1), however, showed higher deviations. The lowest yield of blossom end rot (BER) fruit was produced by Sphagnum. Compared to this result, the BER-yield was nearly 2-fold higher caused by sheep wool. The soluble solid content in fruit ripened by the hemp material was decreased compared to those caused by the remaining substrates. Furthermore, it was found that the volume of easy available water (EAW) was mainly responsible for changes in plant development. As such, a high correlation was found between EAW and: leaf area (r = 0.851); flowers (r = 0.785); lycopene (r = -0.918); ß-carotene (r = -0.997); penolics (r = -0.918); LAA (r = -0.848). The findings suggested that Sphagnum slabs can be used as replacement for rock wool slabs, whereas the usage of slabs consisting of hemp and sheep wool is not suitable as growing substrate for hydroponic tomato production.

The calculation of frequency-dependent cable parameters is essential for simulations of transient phenomena in electrical power systems. The simulation of transients is more complicated than the calculation of currents and voltages in the nominal frequency range. The model has to represent the frequency dependency and the wave propagation behavior of cable lines. The introduced model combines an improved subconductor method for the determination of the frequency-dependent parameters and a PI section wave propagation model. The subconductor method considers the skin and proximity effect in all conductors for frequency ranges up to few megahertz. The subconductor method method yields accurate results. The wave propagation part of the cable model is based on a cascaded PI section model. A modal transformation technique has been used for the calculation in the time domain. The frequency-dependent elements of the related modal transformation matrices have been fitted with rational functions. The frequency dependence of cable parameters has been reproduced using a vector fitting algorithm and has been implemented into an resistor-inductor-capacitor network (RLC network) for each PI section. The proposed full model has been validated with measured data.

A confined closed greenhouse (CGH) was applied to save energy and to investigate how tomatoes respond to specific microclimatic conditions. As such, new dynamic set-points for precise climate control were used in the CGH compared to those applied in a conventional greenhouse. Based on the reduced ventilation frequency in the CGH, the results showed that higher levels of mean temperature, CO2 concentration and relative humidity were achieved. Although the light interception was increased in the CGH, these changing microclimatic conditions resulted in higher rates of photosynthesis and an associated faster crop growth. This means that the mean plant height was increased by 1.5 m, which was the decisive factor to increase the total yield by 21.4% in relation to that produced in the conventional greenhouse. The new microclimatic environment caused by the CGH promoted the accumulation of primary and secondary plant compounds in tomatoes such as soluble solids (by 9%), lycopene (by 22%), ß-carotene (by 21%), phenolics (by 8%) and L-ascorbic acid (by 26%) compared to conventional produced tomatoes. Compared to existing greenhouse systems, the results suggested that a CGH can be used to produce tomatoes in a sustainable way, where the water use and the energy use efficiency can be improved by 71% and 43%, respectively.

Large fillet radii are typically found on highly loaded compressor rotors to ensure structural integrity. The objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of such real geometry effects on the flow at the hub section. Investigations were performed numerically for the idealised case of a plane compressor cascade with the 3D Navier-Stokes code TRACE S. Realistic inlet boundary layer displacement thickness and typical loading levels close to stall are considered at low inlet Mach numbers Ma1 = 0.23. A large fillet with a relative radius of 16% chord length is considered as well as a 3D leading edge bulb-configuration designed at TU Dresden. The results are discussed in terms of iso-Mach surfaces, secondary flow patterns and spanwise incidence and turning. A complex 3D vortex system rises from the fillet radius, which improves the aerodynamic behaviour of the cascade at the end-wall section. With the bulb configuration the suction surface horse-shoe vortex leg was demonstrated to weaken the undesirable cross flow and by that to reduce the hazard of corner stall.