Inka Biospheric Systems has created "The Sun Curve", the first closed loop, aquaponic micro-farm. Powered by solar panels, a wind turbine and a battery bank. The Sun Curve grows plants vertically using the water from the fish pond as a reservoir and nutrient source.
The plant roots, grow media, and a colony of microorganisms act as a biological filter, cleaning the water for the fish. This system recycles water and uses about 10% of the water consumed in traditional farming and gardening. The Sun Curve can store enough power in it’s battery bank to run a built in water pump, ultraviolet filtration, and a computer/ phone. This model was originally designed to support remote clinics, schools or refugee camps. Our first production series are being installed at corporate / college campuses, schools, universities and museums for the purpose of putting these inventions where at lot of smart people can look at them add their intelligence to the design and development issues. We are currently designing a low cost version for developed and developing communities.
By combining solar panels, wind turbine, battery bank, inverter, ultraviolet filter, fish pond, microorganisms, hydroponic grow media, computer, and drinking water filter, we created a "closed loop" system. It can be run on recycled water and works along similar principals as "wetland biomimicry" creating an excellent gray water recycling system.
The Loop inventions
The Sun Curve is an invention generator, the first prototype has spun off more then 6 new inventions. These inventions are designed to help people be more self reliant and sustainable. By growing some food, generating power, recycling and filtering water, we are able to take care of some of our basic needs. Micro-farming is growing food in a small area. It could be set up on a rooftop, lawn, or wall. For 10,000 years we grew our own food and powered our homes. We have the benefit of many years of human experience to make the changes we need to live in a balanced way with the biosphere.
The Systems bio matrix
Micro-farming systems can take many forms and configurations. The most important part is the grow media and the related biological parts of the systems. The grow media is a porous spongy like material that is inoculated with microorganisms creating a similar nutrient base that you would find in healthy topsoil. Water is recycled through this bio matrix material filtering the water and nourishing the plants.
