The Homecomposter

The Homecomposter

Van der Veen, B.

Ninaber, B. (mentor)
Vroom, R.W. (mentor)

Industrial Design Engineering

Industrial Design

Design Aesthetics

2015-08-21

For the urban dwellers who are unfamiliar with vermicomposting and who are dissatisfied with the current sustainable waste solutions our product is a composting solution that provides a simple, charming and appealing product unlike any other vermicompost or urban waste processing system. To achieve this we have assembled the proper worms, a compact and simple to use housing system and a collection of the required knowledge for using those. Phase 1 - Background and application of vermicomposting In the Netherlands about 64 kg of organic material is thrown in the residual waste stream. Splitting this material in separate streams for sustainable reprocessing is made highly difficult as central collection is nearly impossible. Domestic composting is a sustainable method for converting home produced organic waste in a fertile substance that would be able to achieve some level of waste splitting. Vermicomposting is a sub-form featuring compostworms that facilitate the natural composting process. There are various available systems that use the benefits of vermicomposting to allow people to compost all year round and potentially indoors. Maintaining a vermicomposting system can be a challenge however; contemporary systems are found to be unsatisfactory. Even though the base of the system: feeding and harvesting sounds simple, there are several variables that determine whether or not a vermicomposting system will work effectively or will completely fail, thus succeed in the market of 2015. Besides these practical issues retaining to vermicomposting, the mentality of people and their capacity to house vermicomposting systems also influences the commercial viability of a product. As does the user’s perception towards these systems and the inhabiting worms. In the end, a program of demands related to vermicomposting system design was set up. It suggests that both perceived and actual parameters such as ergonomics are important, besides simply allowing the system to operate. Phase 2 - Generating ideas and creating concepts Using the program of demands as a starting point a process of free ideation, creative facilitation and analytic design was performed. This created six design directions. Using complexity and viability as comparison criteria the countertop and c-shape directions were chosen to be continued. These were developed further into two concepts: the wormplate and circular. Following evaluation by representatives from Muilwijk a third concept called Topsplitter was added. Phase 3 - The citycomposter and fruitcomposter A comparison of the circular, topsplitter and wormplate concepts by Cityplot suggests that a combination of the first two will create an optimal system for vermicomposting in urban areas. This combination was developed as the Citycomposter. A 1:1 model of the system was built and was tested for a period of four weeks. It was found to be operating well, but issues arose due to the large size and the perishing of the worm population during heat. Even more so, the feasibility of this system was found to be too limited due to constraints related to production costs and the budget of De Namen. As such, it was opted to develop a smaller lead-in product. This was called the Fruitcomposter (figure 4). This product was also evaluated using a 1:1 prototype. The findings of this test suggested that a fruitcomposter is an interesting system for beginning vermicomposters due to the ability of worms to escape from hostile environments. Phase 4 - Embodying the product Recycled HDPE was initially decided upon as a material based on the low costs and ability to recycle. Biobased materials were explored in conjunction with the HvA as an alternative, more sustainable option. However, structural issues were found that would pose a risk to the success of the product. The product seemed most viable for production when made using injection molding, based on quotations from rotational molders, thermoformers and injection molders. Upon deciding that the product was made to be injection molded a break even series of about 15 000 pieces was found. Based on the requirements of injection molding the product was consequently redesigned to account for the possibilities and limitations of this technique including consistent wall thickness, wall branching and ribs. Simultanously, the findings of the 1:1 prototype were implemented. This included longer funnels, additional alignment support and a more firm attachment for the lid. The new design was shown to experts and based on this consultation the material was altered to PP and the technical drawings were finalised. Phase 5 - A market launch The fruitcomposter as a generic product can be used without additional help, though known worries of the vermicomposting system remain. Augmenting the product using online applications may go beyond the expectations of users and simultanously present interesting revenue streams such as subscriptions. The placement of this product sets it as a problem solver for the beginning vermicomposter. This person can be approached using physical locations including garden centres; be convinced of the potential using campaigns such as the zero waste foundation. The future of using this product lies in expanding not only using stacks, but by adding additional homecomposter products including methods to create worm tea. To reach this state potential allies need to be found first; using partners such as Groenrijk as a launching customer might help push the product onto the market and reach the necessary numbers for a viable homecomposter business soon.

worms
vermicomposting
composting
organic waste

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:784b1640-94bd-4221-b5b4-bb73a0128d37

Campus only

52.001644, 4.369994

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2015 Van der Veen, B.