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CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

This chapter includes the research design, the sample, the instruments, the

intervention (if research is experimental), the data collection procedure, and the plan for

data analysis.

Research Design

The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of AUTOPONICS, an

automated monitoring and controlling system that enhances the manual aquaponics

systems' monitoring. Because this study gathers numerical data that enables the use of

statistical methods, a quantitative research approach is used.

Since the research question this study seeks to answer and solve leads to an

innovation or design improvement, it is an Engineering design method study. According

to ISEF, an Engineering design aims to directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing

and practical uses-civil, mechanical, aeronautical, chemical, electrical, photographic,

sound, automotive, marine, heating and refrigerating, transportation, environmental

engineering, etc.

The engineering research design method was chosen as the general design of

research for this study because it provides an organized and systematic method to creating

an engineering system and focuses on the practical application of science. The study's

specific focus is engineering design because it aims to create an automated aquaponics

monitoring system using Arduino and the Internet of Things and evaluate its effectiveness.
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Procedures

Collection of Materials

The sensors including the temperature, ultrasonic sensor, pH sensor, humidity

sensor, dissolved oxygen sensor will be ordered through online platforms. PVC pipes, PVC

gutter, plastic pipes, fluorescent light bulbs, wood, and metal bars will be purchased at a

local hardware store, and certain items including the water pump, air pump, air stone, fish

tank, and sump tank will be purchased at local aquarium stores.

Fig.1: AUTOPONICS Front View

Construction of Autoponics Body (NFT Aquaponics System)

A. Construction of the Fish Tank

Inside the fish tank with the dimensions of (in inches) 24 x 12 x 12 where the water

pump is placed on the right side, the water pump is connected to the sump tank with the

dimensions of (in inches) 18 x 12 x 12 with the use of PVC pipes. On the left side of the

fish tank, the air pump serves as the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide and there is
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an air stone that is placed inside the fish tank and is connected to the air pump with the use

of a tube. In this way, the air stone serves to sustain the oxygen that the air pump releases.

The water pipe of 2 x 2 inches, 63 millimeter that is connected from plastic pipes (plant

beds) wherein the water returns to the fish tank. On the right side of the fish tank, a water

pipe is connected to the sump tank. Above the fish tank, a fish feeder is placed that will be

automated and a cooling fan is placed on the right side that serves to maintain stability of

the humidity and temperature of the water.

B. Construction of the Sump Tank

The sump tank with the dimensions of (in inches) 18 x 12 x 12 will be placed between

the fish tank and plant bed. Inside the sump tank, the under-gravel filter system (biofilter)

is placed on the left side and it serves to filter or purify the water using the PVC pipes

before it enters the plant bed.

C. Construction of Plant Beds

The 4 fluorescent lamp bulbs are placed above the system that provides visible lights

for the plants. Under it are the plastic pipes that serve as the plant beds of 8 centimeters in

diameter where the Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) are planted and wood that will serve as the

support of the plastic pipes and fish tank. Beneath the Lettuce, the PVC rain gutter of 41 x

18 x 21 in inches will serve as the replacement of soil wherein the water will directly supply

the needs of the plants including nutrients and after the system is complete, the metal bar

will serve as the base of the system. The left portion of the rain gutter is connected to a

water pipe that enables the water from the plant beds drain back to the fish tank. Creating

a circulation of water in the system.

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D. Control box

On the left side near the fish tank, a control box is built that serves as a protective

compartment for the Arduino ESP8266. The control box is connected to a battery that

serves as the electrical source of the Arduino and sensors. The Arduino ESP8266 is then

connected to different sensors placed on specific locations on the system.

AUTOPONICS Monitoring System Coding & Programming

A. Writing code for Water Parameter Monitoring

The Arduino Uno ESP8266 is connected to the sensors that are responsible for

monitoring the water parameters: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and ultrasonic.

Above the side of the fish tank are the DS1820 temperature sensor, dissolved oxygen

sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and ph sensor. To measure the parameters, the sensors are

positioned above where they can be submerged in the fish tank's water. The ultrasonic

sensor is positioned such that it cannot touch the water while measuring the water level. If

water gets close to the ultrasonic sensor and reaches a predetermined level, an alarm is set

off. The temperature sensor will be coded to trigger the cooling fan when a predetermined

high temperature and humidity of water is sensed.

B. Writing code for Plant Parameter Monitoring

The Humidity sensor is responsible for plan monitoring and is connected to the Arduino

ESP8266. The humidity sensor is placed close to the plant beds so it can measure the

humidity of the plants and is programmed to turn on the fluorescent light bulb

automatically if it detects low humidity.

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C. Writing code for Automatic Fish Feeder

The Servomotor is mounted in the fish feeder and connected to the Arduino ESP8266.

It will be programmed to rotate at specific intervals and angles, which will cause the fish

feeder to discharge food into the fish tank.

D. Testing Codes

Arduino IOT CLOUD server is used to apply Internet of Things to the Monitoring

System. It is where the sensors are coded and programmed to do their functions. After the

coding has been written, the AUTOPONICS Monitoring System will be tested in a

simulation to identify any programming errors, allowing researchers to correct the

program. The testing ensures that all sensors and automation are operating properly and

whether it is ready to be connected to the NFT Aquaponics and monitor its parameters.

The AUTOPONICS Monitoring System will be tested in a simulation after the coding

has been developed in order to identify any programming mistakes and allow researchers

to correct the program. The testing determines whether the automation and sensors are all

working properly and whether it can be connected to the AUTOPONICS Body (NFT

Aquaponics) to monitor its parameters.

Risks and Hazard Assessment

Significant Description Risk Level Precautionary Further

Hazard Measures Suggestions

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Electrical The system may Make sure to Researchers

Hazard involve high ensure that all must always turn

voltage electrical off the power

High
electrical components are before working

components that properly on electrical

can cause grounded and equipment, use

electric shock or installed by a insulated tools

electrocution if qualified and equipment,

not handled electrician. wear personal

properly. Follow all protective

safety equipment such

guidelines and as rubber gloves

instructions. and safety

Wear glasses, and

appropriate keep electrical

personal equipment and

protective cords away from

equipment, such water. Also, for

as gloves and further safety

safety glasses. purposes,

researchers must

not touch

electrical
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equipment with

wet hands or

while standing

in water, not

overload

electrical outlets,

and have a

qualified

electrician

inspect and

maintain

electrical

equipment

regularly.

Mechanical The robot Make sure to Researchers

Hazard system may ensure that all must always

have moving moving parts wear appropriate

High
parts that can are properly personal

cause injury to guarded and protective

the individuals maintained to equipment, such

that expose in prevent as safety glasses,

the operation electrical gloves, and hard

properly shocks. Have a hats; follow

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guarded or if first aid kit and proper lockout

someone gets emergency and tagout

too close. response plan in procedures when

place in case of working on

an accident or machinery; and

injury. not remove

safety guards or

shields from

machinery. Also,

researchers must

keep work areas

clean and free of

clutter and use

caution when

working with

sharp tools or

equipment.

Fire System One of the risks Regular The researcher

Hazard that may occur maintenance of must keep the

High
also is the fire electrical area around the

system may components is Autoponics

involve the use essential to system clear of

of heat sources ensure that they any flammable

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or electrical are in good materials, ensure

components that working that the

can cause a fire condition. This electrical wiring

if not properly includes and components

installed or checking for of the system are

maintained. any signs of properly

wear and tear, installed and

loose maintained to

connections, prevent

and other electrical fires,

potential and have a fire

hazards. Proper extinguisher

installation and readily available

proper in case of a fire.

grounding. The researcher

Electrical must keep the

components area around the

should be Autoponics

installed by system clear of

qualified any flammable

professionals materials, ensure

who follow the that the

safety protocols. electrical wiring

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Also, for the and components

individuals who of the system are

work with properly

electrical installed and

components maintained to

should receive prevent

proper training electrical fires,

on how to use and have a fire

them safely and extinguisher

how to respond readily available

in case of an in case of a fire.

emergency.

Extreme Heat In extreme heat, Stay hydrated. Researchers

Weather dehydration is Drink plenty of must provide

Conditions one of the water and avoid adequate

High
impacts that alcohol and ventilation in the

individuals caffeine as they area to prevent

exposed to it can dehydrate the buildup of

may experience. you. Also, know heat, wear

High the signs of heat appropriate

temperatures exhaustion and protective

can cause heat stroke: clothing and

excessive Symptoms equipment when

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sweating, include working in areas

leading to dizziness, with extreme

dehydration. nausea, heat, and take

Prolonged headache, frequent breaks

exposure to confusion, and a and stay

extreme heat high body hydrated when

can cause heat temperature. working in areas

exhaustion, Seek medical with extreme

which is attention heat.

characterized by immediately if

symptoms such you experience

as nausea, any of these

headaches, and symptoms.

muscle cramps.

It can also cause

fatigue and

drowsiness,

increasing the

risk of accidents

while operating

the Autoponics

robot.
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Plan for Data Analysis

After gathering all of the information needed for the study, the data was statistically

assessed to determine the effectiveness of the developed automated aquaponics monitoring

and controlling system.

To determine if there is a significant difference between the growth of lettuce and

tilapia of manual aquaponics and the developed automated aquaponics, T-TEST will be

utilized. To assess if there is a significant difference between the accuracy of parametric

data of manual aquaponics and the developed automated aquaponics, T-TEST will also be

utilized.

T-test will be utilized through Microsoft Excel 2021. This software provides

statistical analysis that can be applied to numerical research-based data.