Applied research in automation, robotics, and mechatronics in the energy-water-food nexus.
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Summary
The main objectives of the project aim to improve the research infrastructures used by the unit, specifically:
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Massive sampling using a FlowCam-type device for the characterization of different microalgae strains. This will support the development of automatic classification algorithms using artificial intelligence techniques, the detection of possible culture contamination, the study of different types of microalgae to determine their fundamental characteristics in relation to cultivation conditions, and the design of low-cost devices for similar characterization (with the FlowCam device acting as a reference). It may also serve as a foundation for the development of state estimators.
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Development of model-free control techniques to regulate pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature in raceway photobioreactors, with the aim of optimizing their productivity. This includes analyzing the influence of concentration and the need for state estimator development.
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Optimization of the connection of water desalination systems, based on the series configuration of reverse osmosis and membrane distillation systems, to develop optimal and hierarchical control techniques. These techniques should enable efficient resource use by considering water demand at different points of the facility (mainly the greenhouse and photobioreactors), existing storage capacity, and production limits depending on the daily solar radiation profile.
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Improvement of the greenhouse drainage system to plan a full growing season, enabling the design of models and hierarchical control techniques for crop growth in greenhouses using weather forecasts and different pricing scenarios.