This project is a viable solution for municipalities to curb the acceleration of food insecurity within their
cities. Our goal is to minimize the access needed to people, resources, and knowledge to operate community
gardens. To do this, we designed a self-sustaining greenhouse that utilizes hydroponic systems and optical
elements to reduce the needs of the system to work. In the greenhouse, we included photovoltaic power,
ultraviolet filtration, Raman spectroscopy, and LED elements to maximize the efficiency of its production.
For the photovoltaic power, we selected ideal panels to compactly generate enough power at a reasonable
cost. We opted for two 100W monocrystalline panels we designed to lay at 30 degrees to the surface until
we can construct a solar tracking system following the conclusion of the project. The ultraviolet filter is a
part of a multi-stage filter to reduce the total number of solids in the water. We selected this filtration system
specifically because of its use of UV-C to kill living impurities. The Raman spectrometer is designed to be
portable within the system to analyze the water content throughout the greenhouse. We created a compact
design using lenses, ND filters, an FC/PC-to-FC/PC fiber, an SMA-to-SMA fiber, and a 3D printed housing.
Using Ocean Insight’s laser module, Raman spectrometer, and software, we can optically analyze the water
through any of our vinyl tubing in the system. This system can drive global solutions to food insecurity in
localities or it can be used as an affordable means of home gardening to increase access to healthy, organic
foods. Our system is more affordable, compact, efficient, and self-sufficient than many other greenhouses
on the market. Individuals wanting to live a more sustainable lifestyle in a symbiotic way with the Earth
would be best suited to adapt our system for their use.
Sponsor: Oviedo Historical Society, Inc. and Ocean Insight