Energy Optimisation in Aquaponics—Integrating Renewable Source and Water as Energy Buffer for Sustainable Food Production

Abstract

Aquaponics, a symbiotic integration of aquaculture and hydroponics, has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable food production, offering efficient water and land utilisation. However, the high energy costs associated with maintaining optimal water conditions remain a critical factor in ensuring its long-term viability. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind power can offset the high energy costs, their intermittent nature limits their effectiveness. Batteries, often used as energy buffers during these intermittencies, but introduce additional costs and environmental concerns. This study presents a novel energy optimisation approach for aquaponic systems. We employed a dynamic control algorithm to intelligently adjust water temperature based on solar forecasts. By leveraging system water as a thermal energy buffer, the method reduces reliance on grid power during solar intermittencies, thereby enhancing renewable energy integration. Simulations reveal that this approach can achieve up to 26.9% annual reduction in energy consumption for aquaponic systems compared to conventional methods. This strategy not only decreases energy usage but also highlights the potential for aquaponics to evolve into a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for food production.