Engineering Design, Performance Test and Cost Analysis of Nutrition Mixer

Abstract

At present mixing of nutrients in the hydroponic is still done manually (ineffective and inefficient). For that we need a tool that can mix plant nutrients equipped with a system that regulates the amount of solute (Total Dissolved Solid, TDS with ppm units) and agitator. The design consist of structural and functional, construction, testing and cost analysis. The results obtained dimensions of 0,85 m x 0,55 m x 1,55 m, consisting of a reservoir, container nutrition with a capacity of 100 liters equipped with agitators driven by a 45 watt DC motor. The performance of the electrical system is carried out to ensure adequate nutrition (indicated with TDS value) and water level in the reservoir. TDS flatness testing and nutrient temperature every 720 seconds in the range of 3600 seconds at 5 points, each has an average deviation of 1,443% + 5% and 4,9054% + 5%. Testing of planting using mixing equipment in pakcoy and spinach plants was 5,95 kg and 2,5056 kg more than without using a mixing equipment. Whereas for the analysis of the production costs of mixing equipment and obtained Rp8.981.091. In analyzing the costs of planting the difference between the market price is Rp13.273.