Sustainable aquafarming is possible with the right mindset and innovative technologies. Aquaculture is projected to be the prime source of seafood by 2030 as demand grows from the global middle class and wild capture fisheries approach their maximum capacity. When practiced responsibly shrimp farming can help provide livelihoods and feed a growing global population that's estimated to reach 9 billion by 2050.
Current Situation and Challenges for Shrimp Farming
Current systems are not efficient in dissolving air in water.
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Despite slightly increasing the gas's contact surface with the pond water, this surface is still small and inefficient. The paddle pushes air into the water with almost the same atmospheric pressure, generating a large bubble proportional to the paddle's dimension. Pushing the bubble's large volume expends most of the energy, and only a portion of the surface of this bubble gets to dissolve in the water.
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While achieving air circulation, the fact that these systems operate with diesel engines or generators implies noisier machinery that stresses the shrimp. A stressed shrimp does not feed enough and, therefore, does not grow to its potential.
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Another common risk with diesel machines is fuel leaks or involuntary spills when loaded or due to failure, polluting the pool and increasing the shrimp's mortality rate.
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There is increased uncertainty on diesel subsidies since the Government has been circling the idea of removing subsidies.
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Electrical dependency on diesel or the central grid, which reaches a meager percentage of shrimp farms, renders energy non-accessible.
Our solution is a mixed design of solar energy, oxygenation, water circulation, and feeder for aquaculture needs, starting with shrimp farms.
We divided our solution into two stations:
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Solar Oxygenation Station
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Aeration & Circulation Station.
Combining these two stations provides the necessary aeration, oxygenation, and circulation needed for a standard 10-hectare Shrimp Farm Pool.
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​With these considerations in mind throughout our internal R&D process, we developed a solution with the following characteristics:
Oxygenation
We reduce bubble size by running oxygen through a specialized blower and diffuser, which, in turn, improves the mixing of water and oxygenation.
Solar Energy Generation
Our PV system eliminates current diesel dependency and CO2 footprint. Our streamlined system reduces maintenance costs and lowers noise pollution.
​Circulation
Unlike current systems, our jet-type propeller system improves under-water currents to increase shrimp mobility.
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Controlled Feeding
​We control feeding with oxygenation; we feed the shrimp when we want and increase oxygenation during feeding. Increased oxygen at feeding time results in increased shrimp appetite and optimized food consumption.
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Why Ecuador as Case Study or Test Center?
Ecuador is the world’s second largest shrimp producer, after India.
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There are currently 275,000 hectares of shrimp farms in Ecuador.
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Each shrimp farm achieves and average of 3 harvests per year (production has been very unstable due to poor oxygenation supply and other factors). Each harvest provides an average 3,500 pounds of shrimp per hectare. Yearly production per hectare is between 36,000 and 48,000 pounds.
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According to the Ecuadorian Chamber of aquaculture, in 2021, Ecuador exported a total of 848,000 MT of shrimp, generating USD $5.323 billion of revenue.
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Most shrimp farms use electrical and diesel oxygenation systems, which do not provide a stable supply of oxygen, resulting in yearly fluctuations of between 3 to 5 harvests per year.
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The country's transmission line infrastructure is not fitted to provide energy to the remote locations where many of the shrimp farms are located.
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'The Ecuadorian Government subsidize diesel circa $208M yearly dedicated to shrimp production.'
Key indicators
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High dependency in diesel.
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High Opex due to diesel costs.
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On-going Capex for new equipment.
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Animal growth inefficiency due to high food waste.
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Low technology - no industry improvement.
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Production instability due to equipment / diesel / energy related problems.
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Our solution & system design has the following advantages
Reduce Land Waste
​The unique floating solar panel structure is installed directly in the water to reduce land requirements and maximize efficiency.
​Eliminate CO2 Emission & Water Pollution
Our system provides a clean source of free energy all year round.
Store Energy Reliably
Allows for equipment functionality evenly distributed throughout the day to improve energy resilience.
Achieve Grid independence
De-risk against energy fluctuations by using decentralized generation.
Minimize Maintenance
​Our system naturally requires less maintenance and upkeep than a standard electric diesel engine.
Increase Oxygen Dissolution
Elevates the gas/oxygen pressure and contact with the surface.
Optimize Circulation & Mixing
Increases oxygen dissolution in the water by generating underwater currents.
Control Feeding Times
Provides controlled oxygen intake for feeding management.