This project aims to develop a system of submerged sensors to detect water flow through farmed fish ponds, which would reduce dangers to workers, is scalable and applicable to different species, and can reduce financial losses.
£13,604.19
5 Months
The detection of a blockage in the normally free-flowing inlet to a river fed aquaculture pond is now possible through a new system. The flow to the pond can be sensed so that flow blockages can be detected and is easy to fit. The backend of the system developed is also easily installed, scalable and can be applied in future to multiple process variables, not just water flow, increasing the granularity of data gathered and possibilities for future development. Data is transferred via radio, reducing the need for hard infrastructure, and energy harvesting is further employed to reduce the need for dedicated power feeds. A custom GUI developed for easy reading and functionality displays the received data and SMS alerts are also provided to alert users to developing problems, allowing timely intervention.
The system allows automatic monitoring and the more effective deployment of personnel in a sometimes hazardous environment as well as reducing the danger of a large financial loss through loss of fish due to an inlet blockage, improving productivity. Reduced environmental impacts are also generated though the improved management of water flow and reduction of ‘morts’ (dead fish). Additional long term benefits to the aquaculture operation occur through the reduced movement of personnel and the consequential reduction in the possibility of the transfer of pathogens.
Helm Research Ltd