Department - Author 1
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
6-2017
Primary Advisor
Dean Y. Arakaki
Abstract/Summary
Modern day population growth and global climate change requires high-yield agricultural systems that can function in harsh environments. Greenhouses can maintain temperature and humidity, while serving as a protective, nurturing alternative to vulnerable farm environments. With weather effects eliminated, greenhouses provide productive environments for experimental agriculture techniques such as hydroponics and aquaculture. These methods of agriculture, specifically aquaculture, require constant monitoring. The failure of electronic devices such as an air pump prove fatal to a fish population in a short time frame. In developing countries, agricultural locations may be a significant distance from a farmer’s home, with no internet or utility connections. Remotely located greenhouses utilizing aquaculture methods would benefit from long range, wireless monitoring systems that alert farmers to detrimental growth conditions including unstable pH, low dissolved oxygen content, and extreme temperatures. This project focuses on creating a dual end monitoring system with multiple functions. Sensor-end module functions include:
1. Recording greenhouse environment metrics including humidity and air and water temperatures.
2. Monitoring the greenhouse power line and off grid renewable sources alerting the user of complications.
3. Relaying data to a server-end module through internet connection. This system must perform without error at 1 km range over a largely agricultural region with variable topography, and in rainy and arid weather conditions. This is achieved using LoRa, a low power radio based wireless platform. System function is verified using:
1. Two LoRa-capable microcontrollers
2. Two computers with virtual USB serial connections
3. Temperature and humidity probes
4. Voltage sensor module
5. Multimeter and oscilloscope
6. Design, construction, and optimization of RF antennas are performed to ensure functionality over communication ranges of 1-5 km.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/386