Greenhouse Project
IoT-Based Greenhouse Environmental Control & Monitoring System
Final functional micro-greenhouse prototype
Project Overview
The "Greenhouse Project" aims to address the challenge of sustainable food production in urban environments by developing an automated micro-greenhouse system. The solution focuses on creating a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and user-friendly system to cultivate microgreens, making fresh produce more accessible to urban populations while reducing environmental impact.
My Role
I was actively involved in conducting research, developing design ideas, planning the production process, coding the automation system using Arduino, and assembling the physical prototype. My contributions focused on ensuring the greenhouse solution was functional, efficient, and easy to use.
The Challenge
Urban areas face limited space and high food transportation costs, leading to decreased access to fresh produce. This project tackles the issue by creating a compact, automated greenhouse capable of growing microgreens with minimal human intervention, helping to reduce carbon footprints and improve food accessibility.
Process & Key Takeaways
Research & Discovery
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Conducted literature reviews and analyzed existing designs of vertical farms and microgreen systems.
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Researched the environmental benefits of urban sustainable farming and the effects of climate change on global food production.
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Interviewed beginner farmers and urban gardeners to identify key needs and challenges.
Ideation & Planning
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Developed a design brief and outlined specific criteria and success metrics for the solution.
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Created planning drawings, diagrams, and a detailed production plan with timelines and resource allocations.
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Explored various automation methods for controlling soil moisture, temperature, and humidity.
Prototyping & Testing
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Assembled the greenhouse structure using eco-friendly materials.
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Developed and tested the automation system using Arduino, incorporating sensors for soil moisture, temperature, and humidity.
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Conducted iterative testing to refine the pump, fan, and lighting systems based on real-time sensor feedback.
Final Outcome
The final solution is a functional micro-greenhouse prototype featuring:
Reflection & Learnings
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Integrating Automation with Sustainable Design
Developing a solution that automates plant care processes reinforced the importance of combining technology with sustainability.
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Iterative Problem-Solving
Testing and refining the system highlighted the value of continuous improvement and user feedback.
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Bridging Theory & Practice
Turning design concepts into a working prototype provided practical insights into electronics, coding, and environmental considerations.
Next Steps
Conduct further usability testing to enhance the interface and system reliability.
Develop an accompanying mobile application to monitor and control the greenhouse remotely.
Explore solar-powered options to improve the sustainability of the greenhouse.
This project deepened my understanding of sustainable design, automation, and user-centered solutions, reinforcing my passion for creating impactful, eco-friendly innovations.