en economics - bgrusnak/ConSEAderation GitHub Wiki

Platform Economics

Introduction

This document describes the economics of construction, equipment and operation of an autonomous platform for 15 permanent residents, with all engineering, biotechnological and operational parameters calculated for 10+ years of service at sea.

Capital Expenditures and Construction

Construction Stages

  • Manufacturing and installation of foam glass SWAHH columns and deck.
  • Frame assembly and modular superstructures (residential, technical and public blocks).
  • Installation of energy systems: 12 OWC chambers, 3 Magnus rotors, solar panels, backup diesel generator.
  • Biofarm installation, workshop, life support systems.
  • Equipment with internal communications, spare parts, equipment.
  • Commissioning, autonomous testing, automation system setup.

Cost Structure (in US Dollars)

Section Cost
Hull and support columns (foam glass, deck, frame) 450,000
Residential, public, technical blocks 160,000
Energy systems (OWC, Magnus, solar, electrical) 220,000
Biofarm and water system 125,000
Workshop, tools, spare parts 65,000
Logistics, installation, reserve 80,000
Backup diesel generator 20–25 kW (equipment + integration) 20,000
Total 1,120,000

Estimate — on conditions of self-construction, without major external contractor.

Work Composition and Timeline

  • Optimal team — 8–12 people (technical specialists, builders, installers, biofarm engineer).
  • Construction and equipment timeline — 18–24 months.
  • All processes maximally modular, parallelized, part of equipment/interior work conducted simultaneously with main installation stages.

Equipment and Outfitting

  • Main materials — foam glass (own production), standard metal stock, modular sandwich panels, composite.
  • Energy:
    — 12 OWC chambers (wave energy, peak power up to 560 kW),
    — 3 Magnus rotors (wind energy),
    — solar power station (20 kW),
    — backup diesel generator 20–25 kW (for emergencies, startup/charging, fire/storm).
  • Biofarm:
    — Hydroponic and aquaponic modules,
    — photobioreactors for microalgae,
    — animal zones (guinea pigs, pigs, goats, poultry),
    — insectarium, vermiculture, mushroom blocks.
  • Life support system:
    — desalinators and water treatment system,
    — water and waste reservoirs,
    — biomass processing/disposal system.
  • Workshop and spare parts:
    — basic and extended tool kit,
    — consumables, spare parts for 2–3 years,
    — materials for current repair and independent production of small structures.

Operating Expenses

  • Current expenses after startup — $20,000–35,000 per year (for 15 people):
    • Spare parts (spare parts, consumables, filters, fasteners)
    • Medicine (first aid kit, tests, specific preparations, annual audit)
    • Biomaterials (seeds, breeding stock, culture renewal)
    • Equipment (clothing, household items)
    • Communications, information system support (satellite/internet, updates)
    • Periodic equipment/infrastructure upgrade
    • Backup diesel generator repair and maintenance (when necessary)
  • Diesel generator fuel purchased 2–3 years ahead (1–2 tons), minimal consumption (emergency mode).
  • Main part of operating expenses falls on biofarm and microbiocenosis maintenance (spare parts, veterinary).

Living Economics (en-TCO)

  • For 15 permanent residents, 10-year calculation:
    • Total capital and operating costs — $1,320,000–1,470,000 (considering average operating expenses).
    • Per resident: $8,000/year (including construction, equipment, operation, depreciation, spare parts).
  • With increased resident numbers short-term (up to 30–50): cost increase no more than 15–20% (using reserves and forced farm mode).
  • Comparison:
    — Similar area motor yacht spends $120,000–250,000 per year on fuel and maintenance and requires professional crew.

Risks and Economic Reserves

  • Budget includes reserve of at least 10% for unforeseen expenses (failed experiments, equipment failures, one-time major repairs).
  • For complex or emergency situations there is always backup energy source (diesel generator, fuel, spare batteries).
  • All main consumables (spare parts for energy, farm, water, automation) stored in quantities sufficient for minimum 2 years autonomy.
  • Every 2–3 years recommended to update biomaterials, replenish spare parts and first aid kit, audit technical systems and major repair if needed.

Conclusions

  • Platform ensures autonomous living for 15 people with 2–3 year complete isolation reserve and possibility of long-term functioning with periodic minimal supply.
  • Total cost of ownership is an order of magnitude lower than any marine vessel of similar class by living volume and autonomy.
  • System economics built on own production, renewable energy and minimal operating costs.
  • For further optimization and cost reduction, standardization of all systems, duplication of critically important units and competent spare parts/biomaterials procurement planning are important.