PRE2024 3 Group20
Members
| Name | Number | Study |
|---|---|---|
| Neesanth Murugesh | 1777866 | Electrical Engineering |
| Atreya Viswanathan | 1781340 | Electrical Engineering |
| Chenwei Gao | 1789775 | Electrical Engineering |
| Prannoy Kapoor | 1785427 | Electrical Engineering |
| Gaurav Sharma | 1783297 | Electrical Engineering |
Introduction
Problem Statement and Objectives
Home automation systems, including automatic lighting and temperature control have recently become widely adopted in modern smart homes, to save energy and serve as a convenient alternative to manual controls. This promotes sustainability and convenience while also serving the needs of people who are unable to manage their homes independently, such as the elderly or disabled. Though the market for home automation is highly saturated with companies such as Google, Philips and Amazon designing sophisticated, there is a lack of automation systems for greenhouses and gardens. While they exist, our group believes that there is significant potential and a gap in the market for such a series of products, which monitor and automatically control certain parameters in gardens and greenhouses such that plants and crops remain healthy in the absence of human intervention.
A holistic approach that monitors parameters such as temperature, carbon dioxide concentrations, soil moisture, and light, can be used to control a series of actuators that act such that each of the parameters are optimized for the crops grown by the user. To accompany the system, a smartphone app can also be developed such that the user can customize the settings depending on their crops. A more thorough description of the features and functionality of the product is given in subsequent sections of this page. The problem statement or main objective of this project is “to design a series of products that demonstrate the possibility of the automation of greenhouses, promoting sustainability and convenience in agricultural domains”.
Users and Target Audience
The target users of our greenhouse automation system are home gardeners. These people usually operate on a smaller scale, with planting within their personal gardens or within their house. These will require careful maintenance of their ecosystem making them a prime target audience.
Schools/Educational institutions are also a target audience for our system. They might make smaller versions of greenhouses in buildings for educational purposes. In these cases, an automated system could prove to be useful to maintain those projects.
Community garden groups are also a target audience as those gardens might require an automated system to be properly maintained as well. Since sometimes people might not always be able to properly maintain their plants on time.
The planned automation system will not target farmers and large-scale agricultural operations due to the sheer size of the needed coverage. This will likely result in very expensive tools to maintain the workspace.
Requirements of Users
The user requirements of an automated greenhouse system are customizable greenhouses fitted with multiple devices to control the greenhouse environment. Sensors with the ability to measure CO2, humidity, temperature, soil moisture, and soil pH levels are required as an input to the system. Actuators to control the Windows, irrigation systems and heating systems are required to control the environment based on decisions made by the system. The system should set certain parameters such as temperature, soil moisture, humidity, and CO2 levels, based on the plants planted inside the greenhouse. The system then can use predicted weather patterns to further improve the efficiency of the greenhouse.
MoSCoW prioritization method
Must Have –
- Environment Monitoring – CO2, temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and soil pH levels.
- Environment Controlling Systems – Irrigation Systems, Ventilation, and Heating.
- Continuous Monitoring – The system must monitor and control the environment in real time.
Should Have –
- Energy Management – Using electricity and water efficiently.
- Notifications to the User – Notify user if something is malfunctioning.
- Remote Access & Control – The user can monitor and control the greenhouse when on vacation or work.
Could Have –
- Al Monitoring – The AI can use predicted weather forecast to further utilize the energy consumption.
- Plant based monitoring- The user enters the plants inside the greenhouse, the system uses existing research and databases to find the optimum environment conditions.
Will not Have –
- Pesticide Control – controlling pests and disease using AI powered Cameras.
- Water Quality Control – Checking the water for contamination.
- Automated Planting and Harvesting
Approach, milestones and deliverables
Weekly Team Role Division
| Name | Total | Break-down |
|---|---|---|
| Neesanth Murugesh | Attended kick-off (2h), group meeting (2h), research and article summarizing (4h), Requirements of User (2h) | |
| Atreya Viswanathan | Attended kick-off (2h), group meeting (2h), research of existing literature/state-of-the-art (3h), Problem Statement/Objectives (2h) | |
| Chenwei Gao | Attended kick-off (2h), group meeting (2h), research and article summarizing (3h), user research (1h) | |
| Prannoy Kapoor | Attended kick-off (2h), group meeting (2h) | |
| Gaurav Sharma | Attended kick-off (2h), group meeting (2h) |
Literature Study and State-of-the-art
Gaurav -
An Analysis of Global Research Trends on Greenhouse Technology: Towards a Sustainable Agriculture
The study analyzes global research trends in greenhouse technology over the last two decades, focusing on sustainability and food security. The main key topics discussed in this article main cover the following topics: use of water for irrigation, the design of the greenhouse, conserving the soil conditions, total energy consumption of the system, temperature control and pest control. These are the main factors that make up a good greenhouse.
The Role of Greenhouse Technology in Streamlining Crop Production
This scientific article goes over the advantages of the greenhouse and its impact on crops. It goes over the best materials and design which should be used in the making of a greenhouse, such as glass and polyethylene. It also goes over the key components of automation and control systems such as lighting and irrigation.
· https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/38863834/62_IJRG15_S09_101-libre.pdf?1443011423=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DGREENHOUSE_TECHNOLOGY.pdf&Expires=1739664144&Signature=A64huUOgdysHXVmwfAQ3aTZ~2T2D-D-B2P~36bgSdVZuXVUf1edCT8AthR8Mz2ReMxoSVCZM~8ChKGwyMuDbSYriLKkdn7BwhwWuy92X0rjMJHBM6oQAKQFJ60RVTO2ewzV0674Ka7jewQrFa~rZJxNjPgnnfr77cd9-322FsN21K9qlRkHeWlwg6iajeaT2tGjsXnif2YcT0lFFPo79GBWA4paMFaFVlh9x1nBEU-PFVl3tELHbLXLVLHtG1rZLCG8O2IMQFhrKVuV9mSxcTy3qCTVnhBmEETYnTnTVRMBT126CdR5giACUhmzQHNkO~5OcEsoKP5WBE83GyWKeVw__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA
This article goes over the main advantages of a greenhouse, such as increased production and disease-free plants. It also lists greenhouse types and shapes which are most commonly used.
A Critical Review of the Status of Current Greenhouse Technology in China and Development Prospects
This article explains the status of greenhouse technology in China. It goes over the development of the green houses from the first few models made from simple materials like bamboo to better materials such as steel with automated equipment. It also goes over the main problems which come with the greenhouses, such as too much water usage and irrigation failures.
Design, technology, and management of greenhouse: A review
This review explores advancements in greenhouse technology for optimizing plant growth by controlling temperature, humidity, light, and CO2. It covers the many factors of greenhouse design such as climate control technologies, management systems, emphasizing automation, and energy efficiency. Key factors such as ventilation for humidity control and optimal temperature ranges for crops are also mentioned as well. The study highlights strategies to enhance yield while reducing costs and energy consumption.
Prannoy -
Portable greenhouse structure and method and apparatus for assembling same
The present invention provides a portable greenhouse structure comprising a base in the shape of a right-polygonal cylinder having a top and a bottom, wherein the base comprises a plurality of wall panels connected along abutting edges.
Introduces a climate control by also enabling a method of portable, structurally efficient, and easy to assemble and disassemble. This way a green house can be inexpensive and need not be permanent in nature. This way people can explore hobbies before completely committing.
Mini-greenhouse and plant protector
A one piece, nestable, portable mini-greenhouse and plant protector for use in a substrate, such as soil, to protect plants and seedlings from extreme weather elements, bugs and pests. The mini-greenhouse has a light-transmitting shell that forms a protective chamber and integrated legs that act to anchor as well as support the shell. The unit has concave channels that facilitate watering without disturbing the apparatus. It has unique light filtering and dispersing properties to aid creating a nurturing and growing environment.
Vertically integrated greenhouse
A vertically-integrated greenhouse for growing plants in suspended trays. The design is particularly well-suited for installation in a double-skin façade of a building, or in an interior atrium, lobby, or similar structure. Introduces a system that uses a network of sensors to monitor key variables such as temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. This data is then used to control actuators connected to heating, cooling, ventilation, and irrigation systems, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth. The system reduces energy waste by making real-time adjustments only when necessary by a tray-spacing mechanism, ultimately improving crop yield while conserving, thereby maximizing crop yield and building energy savings, or for esthetic considerations.
With respect to the scope of the project, mini prototype of a green house for hobbyist is being developed, which are small-scale structures designed for casual gardeners to cultivate various plants, including orchids, bromeliads, bonsai, and even engage in hydroponics. Typically measuring less than 10 feet by 10 feet. The source is a company catering to US consumers who want to grow plants/flowers year round, which it made possible by their Solar Innovations which provides customization to create optimal environments tailored to specific plant cultivation needs
The article "Smart and Efficient Greenhouses: A Systematic Literature Review in the Agronomic, Computational, and Energy Scope" presents a comprehensive analysis of controlled environment agriculture, focusing on the integration of intelligent computational techniques and energy efficiency in greenhouse cultivation.
the researchers identified over 2,000 scientific publications within a 5 to 10-year timeframe and arrowed the publications down to just 66.
The application of automation and control techniques in greenhouses began in the 50s, where temperature control was performed by thermostats. Subsequently, there was a great advance from the structural design to the technological aspects that make up the system, seeking improvement to allow the control of the parameters of temperature and relative humidity, solar radiation, CO2 concentration, ventilation, and fertigation.
Furthermore, results relevant to the project are
- The correct use of land and the efficient use of water and electrical resources stand out. The authors emphasize the need for mechanisms that optimize these environments. However, the use of control systems for these spaces and environments is relatively complex, due to the multiple variables involved and the interdependence between them.
- several control strategies for greenhouses. These strategies aim to make the environment ideal for crops, considering energy savings. Among them, we can mention: mathematical modeling; experimental studies and simulations; control of parameters and components; the use of algorithms and computational intelligence techniques
- The authors highlight that the cost of electricity is the second highest cost in cultivation in controlled environments, with the labor costs being the most expensive.
- aiming to find optimal conditions for the growth and development of seedlings in a greenhouse environment. The authors conclude that the application of IoT associated with product traceability promotes
Atreya -
Greenhouse automation system | Automated greenhouses | Priva
A company called Priva has recently developed a large-scale automation system which enables irrigation, lighting, climate control and even nutrients. These are all essential aspects of crop health and growth, and can be controlled using a smartphone app. While their target audience seems to be larger agricultural businesses, the concepts and ideas are relatively similar to our own project. The main goal is to automate the process such that energy can be saved, mistakes are made less often and to promote convenience for end users. The company seems to be targeting large businesses that specialize in farming and agriculture, and therefore the requirements are bound to be different. In our project, we will take inspiration from such existing state-of-the-art systems and build upon it to ensure user-friendliness, convenience for consumers (especially individual gardeners and greenhouse owners) and sustainability.
Greenhouse Automation - DutchGreenhouses
A competing brand named DutchGreenhouses has also developed a similar greenhouse automation system. Their main selling point is an advanced climate computer, software and sensors which ensure that temperature, moisture, etc., are all optimal for the crops. According to the company, this ensures peak efficiency of the growth as well as peak crop yield.
Greenhouse Automation - Logiqs B.V.
The brand Logiqs B.V. has a very innovative approach to greenhouse automation. It consists of “rolling benches” that move around the greenhouse upon which crops are grown. The company claims that this state-of-the-art technique is highly effective and efficient because physically moving plants across climate zones is far more energy-efficient compared to actively changing the temperature. They also believe that this creates better working conditions and ensures cleanliness due to automated cleaning procedures. The benches are also fitted with automatic irrigation with precise control over the frequency and amount of water and nutrients to be fed to the crops.
A Review of Greenhouse Climate Control and Automation Systems in Tropical Regions
This paper by Shamshiri et al explores greenhouse climate control and its effectiveness. The authors also research the ideal levels of temperature and relative humidity to maintain healthy crops. For example, there is a table providing the ideal temperature and humidity conditions during each growth stage for tomato crops. This information is valuable for designers of greenhouse automation systems as they can design the systems to maintain by default the ideal parameters for optimal crop growth. Users can also refer to this information and customize their systems to ensure peak yield of their crops.
Neesanth –
Automation of Hydroponics Green House Farming using IOT
This article explores the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in hydroponic greenhouse farming to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Hydroponics is a soilless farming technique that relies on nutrient-rich water to grow plants, making it highly suitable for controlled environments like greenhouses. The system uses sensors and actuators to monitors and controls essential parameters such as Temperature & Humidity, pH & Electrical Conductivity (EC) of Water, Light Intensity & CO₂ Levels, Water Level & Flow. The IoT-based system allows real-time data collection through sensors, which is then processed and analyzed via a cloud-based platform or mobile application. Automation is achieved through actuators that control irrigation, lighting, ventilation, and nutrient dosing without manual intervention. The observed advantages of the approach include Increased Crop Yield, Water & Resource Efficiency, Remote Monitoring & Control, and Reduction in Labor Costs. Overall, IoT-based automation in hydroponic greenhouses offers a smart, sustainable, and scalable solution for modern agriculture, addressing challenges related to climate change, water scarcity, and food security.
Robotic applications in the automation of agricultural production under greenhouse: A reviewThis review paper examines the role of robotics and automation in modern greenhouse farming, focusing on their applications, benefits, and challenges. The paper focuses on plant monitoring & sensing, autonomous planting & transplanting, irrigation & nutrient delivery, pest & disease detection, harvesting & picking robots, pollination robots. The benefits include higher efficiency & yield, lower labor cost, sustainability and continuous protection. The challenges include high investment costs, careful handling of the plant by robots, and integrating AI and Machine Learning in a dynamic environment.
Parallel Control of Greenhouse Climate With a Transferable Prediction Model
This article explores an AI-driven parallel control approach for optimizing greenhouse climate management, using a transferable prediction model. The goal is to enhance energy efficiency, crop growth, and resource utilization by dynamically adjusting environmental parameters. The Main focus of this article is using parallel control strategies controlling parameters such as CO2, temperature, etc. It also focuses on energy optimization, data driven decision making using prediction model. This results produces benefits such as improved climate control, reduce energy costs, and faster adaptation. Future research could focus on enhancing model accuracy, integrating additional climate factors, and improving generalization across diverse greenhouse settings.
On-line modeling of air temperature system in a naturally ventilated greenhouse
This article presents a real-time (on-line) modeling approach for predicting and controlling air temperature in a naturally ventilated greenhouse. Since temperature regulation is crucial for optimal plant growth, the study focuses on developing a dynamic, adaptive model that responds to changing environmental conditions. This article focuses on real time temperature modelling, Influence of natural ventilation, and energy efficiency. The results produced benefits such as better ventilation managements, accurate temperature prediction and low energy costs. Future work could focus on integrating IoT, AI-based predictions, and multi-factor climate models to further enhance system performance.
Smart Greenhouse Automation and Monitoring System
This article discusses the design and implementation of a smart greenhouse automation system that leverages IoT (Internet of Things) technology for real-time monitoring and control of greenhouse conditions. The system aims to improve crop productivity, resource efficiency, and ease of management by automating key agricultural processes. The article focuses on environmental monitoring, automated climate control, remote access, alerts and notifications, and data logging. The results produced benefits such as higher crop yield, water and energy efficiency, reduced labor costs, and remote accessibility.
Chenwei -