Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

A Sustainable, Integrated Multi-Level Floating Farm Concept: Singapore Perspective

Version 1 : Received: 3 November 2020 / Approved: 4 November 2020 / Online: 4 November 2020 (09:56:10 CET)
Version 2 : Received: 9 April 2021 / Approved: 15 April 2021 / Online: 15 April 2021 (13:38:39 CEST)

How to cite: Asgarov, R.; MacLaren, D.; Hannan, M.A.; Khandelwal, P. A Sustainable, Integrated Multi-Level Floating Farm Concept: Singapore Perspective. Preprints 2020, 2020110181. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202011.0181.v1 Asgarov, R.; MacLaren, D.; Hannan, M.A.; Khandelwal, P. A Sustainable, Integrated Multi-Level Floating Farm Concept: Singapore Perspective. Preprints 2020, 2020110181. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202011.0181.v1

Abstract

The exponential growth of population and the consistent food demand has compelled humanity to seek alternatives to traditional farming and innovative technologies to increase production. Exploring offshore for natural resources and alleviating pressure on land has been an ongoing research field, especially in the energy and aquaculture sector. However, the idea of floating farming is still in its infancy and requires significant innovations. The work presented here shed further light on this area by proposing a comprehensive model of ‘Integrated, multicultural, Multileveled Floating Farm (MFF).’ Various aspects of planning, design, constructions and operations of such MFF are discussed. An integrated waste management system is proposed to improve sustainability. The conceptual design and associated financial analysis demonstrated that such integration of various modes of farming could be profitable and sustainable at the same time. The cost estimation and profit analysis are presented in the context of Singapore, and a conservative approach is followed for the calculation. However, the model can easily be extended for application in other countries.

Keywords

Floating farming; sustainable farming; Integrated farming; Multilevel Floating Farm

Subject

Engineering, Automotive Engineering

Comments (2)

Comment 1
Received: 9 November 2020
Commenter: Karan Chugh
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment: Hi All

I must say this seems a very researched and well thought article. Kudos to the whole team.
Having worked in the electrical design for various floating platforms, i have some high level comments/suggestions for your consideration:

1) I noticed that the main power generation is considered as 2x50%. If that's the case, there needs to be a study done on what happens when one of the Gen Set trips or requires maintenance? Can we trip some non essential loads without affecting the farm products? Normally for a floating project, we always consider one standby gen set.
2) Looking at the cost side, it seems only gen sets are considered. However, please consider the cost for SWBDs, XFMRs and distribution boards. Since depending on the total load, there may be more than one voltage required (440/690V for motors for HVAC, ship etc.) and 230V for small power and lighting.
3) Since this is a manned platform, there needs to be Emergency power considered as per ABS regulations. Referring to ABS referred in the paper itself (ABS GUIDE FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING OFFSHORE FISH FARMING INSTALLATIONS), please refer to the Clause 4.1. This needs to be in a separate room and hence emergency generator room will need to be considered.
4) UPS and battery will also be required for the critical loads again as per regulations like Fire detection, PAGA, navigation etc. There may be a requirement for small battery room as well depending on the size. UPS will also be required for transitional power when main power trips for critical automation loads.
5) Please check if FIRE pump with its DG is required and whether space has been considered for the same.

Thanks
Karan
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Response 1 to Comment 1
Received: 18 November 2020
Commenter: R. Asgarov
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment: Hi Karan
Thank you for your very valid comments. All you mentioned shall be and will be considered, when we will go further on this project, and as such, is well noted.
At the moment we have some margins in our financial calculations, assumed (hopefully) to cover uncertainties. And our current goal is just indicate overall boundaries and major problems, as well as some ways to resolve it- more detailed development will be next step.
Best regards
Rasim

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