The team at GHL is lending a hand with a group of scientific experiments in Kiel, Germany, examining the effect of global climate change on marine organisms. The research team is leveraging ProfiLux controllers to support manifold tasks in these experiments to control water parameters, they measure water parameters, control pumps, solenoids and headers, and much more. The controllers are connected over a secure bus system (PAB: ProfiLux Aquatic Bus) to share data and to synchronize.
The GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is leading the experiment to study the long-term effects of climate change on controlled ecosystems in 12 specially constructed experiment containers. Each “benthocosms” has a typical biocoenosis, consisting of bladder focus (a type of seaweed found in the North Sea), crabs, mollusks and other organisms.
The scientists expose these biocoenoses to a variety of environment conditions, using the ProfiLux controllers to change pH, temperature and other variables. The experiments range from forecasting pH and temperature change in the Kiel Fjord for the year 2100 and applying that to a benthocosm. In other systems heatwaves and other climate anomalies are applied to the systems, and more. During these experiments the biologists can observe how the changes impact the species and how the overall ecosystem services in the biocoenoses are shifted
From what we know about the controllers, it is no wonder the scientists decided to leverage ProfiLux for reliability, robustness and precision. Plus to be able to address future needs and ProfiLux fit the bill in the flexibility department They wanted a future-proof system to achieve the required flexibility.
Additionally, the PC-software GHL Control Center allows the scientists can get a quick visual overview at any time, adjust settings, check readings or even implement special functions, like setting up the next heat wave in the benthocosms. The software gives the team a full range of options and can even simulate seasonal water parameters over a certain period is possible, and can be imported from other software, like Excel.
We are always interested when equipment from our hobby is leveraged for science experiments to help us get a better understanding of our oceans and seas. We look forward to learning more about this experiment in the future.
