Design Methodology for Hydroponic Systems
A Case Study on Russian Dandelion Cultivation for Natural Rubber
R.S. Hugens (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
J. Jovanova – Mentor (TU Delft - Transport Engineering and Logistics)
A. Napoleone – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Transport Engineering and Logistics)
W. van den Bos – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Transport Engineering and Logistics)
Leonard Baart de la Faille – Mentor (Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects)
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Abstract
This thesis develops a conceptual design methodology for hydroponic systems tailored to specialty crops where biological requirements are often incomplete or uncertain. The proposed methodology adapts established mechanical engineering design principles (Pahl & Beitz, Roozenburg & Eekels, TRIZ) by introducing iterative feedback loops, explicit decision points, and the parallel integration of biological, technical, and economic analyses. A critical innovation is the inclusion of a dedicated Testing phase between the Conceptual and Provisional design phases. The methodology was applied to a case study on Russian dandelions, a potential alternative source of natural rubber that grows in its roots. The case study successfully structured the complex design problem, generated multiple cultivation concepts, and systematically exposed critical knowledge gaps regarding root rubber content, single- or multiple harvesting techniques, and cultivation strategies. Experimental trials confirmed the feasibility of hydroponic cultivation but revealed significant biological challenges, such as plant stress from root trimming. Economic modeling, based on current assumptions, indicated a lack of viability, highlighting a dependency on future agronomic research. The thesis contributes to both literature and practice by bridging engineering methodologies with controlled-environment agriculture, expanding the scope of hydroponics beyond food crops, and offering a design-support guideline for future innovation in non-traditional crop systems.