engr_4328_uhd_brian ly_ sustainable community garden_ final report

UHD Sustainable Garden

Final Report

Freddy Lara, Steven Bennett, Brian Ly, Jose Vega

Fall 2015

This report is pertaining to the control system design, construction, and results of the UHD Sustainable Garden project for our Control and Instrumentation Technology Senior Project.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=uhd&view=detailv2&&id=2532091E47CAB3A2422965AA9FB9308A0E665C9F&selectedIndex=11&ccid=UewedyJ6&simid=608044121440453277&thid=JN.gE4TIbXJ%2Beo6/nSkDjDKSw


Executive SummaryFood is a necessary component for human survival. With the growth of the population around the world, the methods of farming and gardening have changed. We have large scale farms that use chemicals to increase vegetable and animal growth rate. These methods also make stronger crops and animals while allowing them to mature earlier. We use pesticides and antibiotics to keep our products looking stronger and healthier for greater lengths of time. However, what we consume everyday actually contains chemicals used to produce farmed products. These methods are thought to result in high rates of allergy sensitivity, obesity, diabetes, cancer, as well as adolescents maturing earlier. There is no indication of egg or peanut allergies in third world countries where almost everything is grown naturally. The energy and chemicals used in farming have long been thought to play a role in climate change. Environmental health, as well as personal health, are the two of the main benefits of why we should support sustainable gardens. Our very own UHD Garden Club understands the benefits of promoting sustainable gardens and is committed to teaching community members the basics of gardening. The UHD Garden Club is reconstructing the sustainable garden that was swept away by a recent flood. The Control and Instrumentation Engineering Technology major students will be installing a fully automated irrigation system that will ensure proper watering is administered. This automated system will help with improving growth and the overall health of the crops. We designed and constructed an automated, solar powered, irrigation system that will water each zone in the garden according to specifications given by the garden club community. The design will also consist of several sensors and wireless communication that will display and store data. This data will be stored and will be accessible thru a designated computer inside the university. This data will be available for the garden club to evaluate and advise if any set point changes are required in the watering of the garden.

Bennett, Lara, Ly, Vega Page 1 of 29


Table of ContentsExecutive Summary.....................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3

i. Literature Review..................................................................................................................................3

ii. Project Objectives & Description.........................................................................................................4

iii. Project Significance & Impact.............................................................................................................4

Methods and Materials...............................................................................................................................4

i. Alternative Approaches........................................................................................................................4

ii. Selected Approach to Solve Problem...................................................................................................4

1. Materials........................................................................................................................................4

2. Data..............................................................................................................................................12

3. Assumptions................................................................................................................................12

4. Problem Formulation..................................................................................................................12

5. Calculations.................................................................................................................................13

6. Experiments................................................................................................................................14

Results.......................................................................................................................................................15

i. Presentation of Results.......................................................................................................................15

ii. Interpretation of Results....................................................................................................................22

Future Work..............................................................................................................................................22

Appendices................................................................................................................................................23

Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................27

References.................................................................................................................................................28



Introduction

i. Literature ReviewSustainable gardening is becoming a higher priority in many agricultural processes. These methods are based on ideas that conservation and sustainability are necessary for the continuation of efficient crop development that is safe for the environment and the consumers. The ideas behind these efforts are based on past experiences and predicted future needs. Water conservation and energy consumption are some of the more important issues that must be addressed [1].

Water conservation and runoff control have proven to be arguably the most important agricultural issues across the U.S., severe droughts such as the one being currently experienced in California can happen in any state in the U.S. Massive amounts of water used for farming in California is now showing a catastrophic environmental impact; part of California’s Central Valley is now sinking at a rate of 1 foot per year [2] due to the extreme soil dryness and loss of water storage. This will have a large impact on infrastructure in the near future as well as an economic impact that has yet to be fully exposed. Controlling the amount of water used for gardening is essential for environmental maintenance and preservation.

Reducing the use of fossil fuel and exploring alternative power means are a key component to sustainability. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2014 major energy sources of total U.S. electricity generation are coal (39%) and natural gas (27%) [3]. Burning fossil fuel releases harmful gases and carbon dioxide, which are thought to cause global warming and climate change around the world. Some viable alternative energy sources are solar and wind power.

Managing garden waste is important to protecting the environment and ensuring the full use of materials. Composting is a natural process to turn organic waste into very rich in nutrition soil. Compost can be used as fertilizer and soil amendment. This is the best natural way to convert a poor soil garden into an organic garden. Exclusive chemical fertilizers used to accelerate vegetable growth can have certain impacts on human health as well as cause damage to the soil.

Crop selection is an important consideration for anyone considering garden or agricultural scale growing. Depending on time of the year, selecting the right plants is an important task for a successful garden. The local vegetable garden planting calendar is used to select vegetables for the right season [4]. Placing a variety of plants in the garden is known as companion planting and is a good way to control harmful pests. Plants are strategically placed in different places of garden depending on their characteristic needs. Some plants need more water than others. Some need to be in full direct sun while others need controlled sunlight.



ii. Project Objectives & DescriptionOur objective of this project is to implement a system that can measure soil moisture and temperature from the garden, analyze the obtained data, and apply the required amount of water needed for plants in the garden. Our system will be self-sustained and environmentally friendly. To achieve this, solar panels will be used to power all electronic components necessary to control the automated watering process. We will use the Arduino platform of programmable controllers as the control system for the UHD Sustainable Garden Project.

iii. Project Significance & ImpactThe project significance and impact is to support the UHD Community Garden which will provide vegetables and fruits that will be prioritized for UHD community members in need. This project will allow our team the opportunity to present our knowledge gained in the courses of the CIET Program.

Methods and Materials

i. Alternative ApproachesThere is no alternative approach for this project as the scope and need for the system have previously been defined.

ii. Selected Approach to Solve Problem

1. MaterialsFor this project, we must consider that the garden is situated on the top of an old railroad base and is therefore rocky beneath the surface. The layout of the garden has to be carefully studied and designed, thus future modification can be easily achieved. We decided to install water control valves on each garden bed; one main water supply pipe will run along the fence with branches out from the main pipe to supply water for each garden bed.

Our project will address the over and under watering of crops. Understanding that there will be different plants in the garden separated into different beds, we must take into account the watering needs of each individual bed. Our system will be able to control watering zones separately to provide adequate soil moisture content specific to the plant. We will work directly with the UHD Garden Club to understand the needs of the plants and ensure the proper design of our system to meet these needs.

Typically, each student in the course preparing a senior project is provided with a budget amount which is totaled for the team. Since this project is sponsored by the University of Houston Downtown, the budget for this project will be funded differently. Most all of the required parts have already been sourced for our project, arriving at a current total cost of $3,069.89.



The following parts list of material (Table 1) was prepared and ordered for us in anticipation of the project this semester. Due to the expanded scope of the project, we needed to order additional material.

Part Name Qt Price per Unit Subtotal SourcesRENOGY® 250W Watt Monocrystalline Black Solar Panel UL Listed 2 $349.99 $699.98

http://www.amazon.com/RENOGY%C2%AE-Monocrystalline-Black-Solar-Listed/dp/B00F9HUXWO

Renogy Solar Panel Mounting Z Bracket 4 Units 2 $13.49 $26.98

http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Solar-Panel-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00BR3KFKE/ref=pd_bxgy_86_text_y

Islandoffer 5 Pairs of MC4 Male/ Female Solar Panel Cable Connectors 1 $7.99 $7.99

http://www.amazon.com/Islandoffer-Pairs-Female-Solar-Connectors/dp/B00A8TRKJW/ref=pd_bxgy_229_img_z

Solar Panel Cable Pv type wire 50 Ft - Mc4 Extension- 10awg - 600/1000vdc - Sunlight Resistant 4 $28.63 $114.52

http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Panel-Cable-type-wire/dp/B008JHXF4O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433173881&sr=8-1&keywords=solar+panel+cable

Tycon (TPSM-250x4-TP) Top of Pole Mount for Two or Four 250W Solar Panels

1 $589.00 $589.00

http://www.amazon.com/Tycon-TPSM-250x4-TP-Mount-Solar-Panels/dp/B00WZOCLUG/ref=sr_1_37?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1433179762&sr=1-37&keywords=solar+panel+250w

Power Sonic PS Series Sealed Lead Acid (12V - 100Ah) Deep Cycle - From MOUSER: part number 547-PS121000 1 $324.58 $324.58

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Power-Sonic/PS-121000/?qs=UXgszm6BlbH8WYDNnXMnWA%3D%3D&kpid=2014032&gclid=CJ3Lm6nV78UCFQqGaQodFIcAAQ

MISOL PWM Solar regulator 50A / with LCD screen / Charge Power Controller / Regulator 12V / 24V 50 Amp solar charge controller

1 $89.68 $89.68

http://www.amazon.com/MISOL-regulator-Controller-Regulator-controller/dp/B00A4AVAAA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1433202252&sr=8-4&keywords=12V+50amp+charge+controller

Arlington Industries EB1212BPBL-1 Electronic Equipment Enclosure Box with Backplate (Pack of 1), 12" x 12" x 4", Black 1 $47.42 $47.42

http://www.amazon.com/Arlington-Industries-EB1212BP-1-Electronic-Non-Metallic/dp/B00JNBQU3I/ref=pd_sim_sbs_60_29?ie=UTF8&refRID=0EZENSDXYCFY171M703B

Enclosures, Boxes, & Cases 16.27 x 14.4 x 8.13 Lift Off Cover (by Hammond Manufacturing)

1 $129.19 $129.19

http://www.amazon.com/Enclosures-Boxes-Cases-16-27-Cover/dp/B005T8N67C/ref=sr_1_5?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1433205916&sr=1-5&keywords=14x14+junction+box

Arduino Due 1 $49.95 $49.95 http://www.adafruit.com/products/1076

Arduino Mega 1 $45.95 $45.95 http://www.adafruit.com/products/191



Analog Shield

1 $49.99 $49.99

https://www.digilentinc.com/Products/Detail.cfm?NavPath=2,648,1250&Prod=TI-ANALOG-SHIELD

GeauxRobot Arduino DUE Enclosure Case Box Clear

2 $15.99 $31.98

http://www.amazon.com/GeauxRobot-Arduino-Enclosure-Case-Clear/dp/B00NNXR0DG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1433174472&sr=8-5&keywords=arduino+due

Easy More 3 X 40p 2.54mm Breadboard Jumper Wires Male-male/female-female/female-male 20cm 1 $4.93 $4.93

http://www.amazon.com/2-54mm-Breadboard-Male-male-female-female-female-male/dp/B00E8Z3528/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1433174570&sr=8-11&keywords=arduino+cable

Soil Temperature/Moisture Sensor – SHT10 5 $49.95 $249.75

http://www.adafruit.com/products/1298?gclid=CM_moN346cMCFZCEaQodZkcAGQ

Electronix Express - Hook up Wire Kit (Solid Wire Kit)

2 $22.00 $44.00

http://www.amazon.com/Electronix-Express-Hook-Wire-Solid/dp/B00B4ZRPEY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433176876&sr=8-1&keywords=22+awg+wire

LED 4-Digit Tube Display (D4056A) Module with Decimal Point for Arduino

5 $5.99 $29.95

http://www.amazon.com/4-Digit-Display-D4056A-Decimal-Arduino/dp/B00S4PCSI0/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1433177056&sr=8-10&keywords=screw+for+arduino

Arduino Proto Screw Shield

2 $11.99 $23.98

http://www.amazon.com/iTead-IM120417013-Arduino-Proto-Shield/dp/B00HBVVKPA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1433177056&sr=8-2&keywords=screw+for+arduino

300Pcs M3 Nylon Hex Spacers Screw Nut Stand-off Plastic Accessories Assortment Black/White

2 $14.83 $29.66

http://www.amazon.com/Spacers-Stand-off-Plastic-Accessories-Assortment/dp/B00MMWDYI4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1433177399&sr=8-8&keywords=m3+screw

JBtek 8 Channel DC 5V Relay Module for Arduino Raspberry Pi DSP AVR PIC ARM

2 $8.99 $17.98

http://www.amazon.com/JBtek-Channel-Relay-Arduino-Raspberry/dp/B00KTELP3I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433177540&sr=8-1&keywords=arduino+relay

SainSmart 16-Channel Relay Module

1 $22.99 $22.99

http://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-16-CH-16-Channel-Relay-Module/dp/B0057OC66U/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1433177607&sr=8-8&keywords=arduino+relay

SainSmart 1602 LCD Shield Module Display V3 for Arduino UNO R3 MEGA2560 Nano DUE

1 $13.99 $13.99

http://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-Shield-Display-Arduino-MEGA2560/dp/B007MYZF9S/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1433178139&sr=8-7&keywords=arduino+shield

40W 12VDC TO 24VAC PURE SINE INVERTER

1 $175.00 $175.00

http://www.solarpanelstore.com/solar-power.small-inverters.special_use_inverter.pst1224_special_use.info.1.html

Orbit WaterMaster Underground 5 $2.61 $13.05 http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-



57202 PVC Slip Swivel Adapter, Green

WaterMaster-Underground-57202-Adapter/dp/B001H1NGSY/ref=pd_sim_86_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BMHBCQ2K7DR3KZD250P

Orbit 53230 Valve Box Base1 $10.46 $10.46

http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-53230-Valve-Box-Base/dp/B0040QUMUS/ref=pd_bxgy_86_text_y

(A) Orbit 57197 Manifold Cap, Green

1 $7.19 $7.19

http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-57197-Manifold-Cap-Green/dp/B001H1NGRA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433873255&sr=8-1&keywords=END+cap+57197

(B) Orbit Underground 57183 3 Port Manifold Irrigation System 1 $11.33 $11.33

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-3-Port-Manifold-57183/202206761

(B) Orbit 57181 Green 1 Port Manifold

1 $8.72 $8.72

http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-57181-Green-Port-Manifold/dp/B004GGMU4I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433873329&sr=8-1&keywords=57181

(C) Orbit WaterMaster Underground 57202 PVC Slip Swivel Adapter, Green

1 $2.61 $2.61

http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-WaterMaster-Underground-57202-Adapter/dp/B001H1NGSY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1433873378&sr=8-2&keywords=57202

(D) Orbit WaterMaster Underground 57199 1-Inch Swivel Adapter, Green 10 $2.77 $27.70

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-1-in-MPT-Manifold-Swivel-Adapter-57199/202206766

(F) 3/4 in. Manifold Transition Adapter 57187 10 $1.42 $14.20

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-3-4-in-Manifold-Transition-Adapter-57187/202206767

(F) 1 in. Transition Adapter 57198 10 $1.33 $13.30

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-1-in-Transition-Adapter-57198/203404583

(I) 1 in. or 3/4 in. Slip PVC Manifold Transition Adapter 10 $3.17 $31.70

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-1-in-or-3-4-in-Slip-PVC-Manifold-Transition-Adapter-57191/202206768

Orbit 53213 Sprinkler System 12-Inch Standard-Shallow Valve Box

1 $23.91 $23.91

http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-53213-Sprinkler-12-Inch-Standard-Shallow/dp/B000NCJRRW/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1433204388&sr=1-7&keywords=12x12+junction+box

Orbit 3/4" In-line Female Threaded Sprinkler Valve with Flow Control (Made in USA) 5 $17.25 $86.25

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040QWL48?psc=1

TOTAL $3,069.86

Table 1: Materials list.

The following layout of the garden (Fig.1) was generated in collaboration with the UHD Garden Club and Dr. Tzouanas. This diagram demonstrates the layout of the future sustainable garden at the University of Houston Downtown. This layout provides a preliminary design of the beds and the location of the garden. Following internal discussions with Dr. Tzouanas, we considered some modifications and possible changes about the layout. We discussed about the conduit for



cables and the location of the solar panel for our project. A preliminary layout of the irrigation water pipes and electrical conduits is shown in (Fig.2).

Figure 1 – Garden Layout



Figure 2 – Irrigation Water Pipe/Electrical Conduit Layout

Figure 3 – Actual Garden Layout



The image above (Fig.3) is the physical location of the designated area for the project. It is located on the east side of the One Main Building, and south of the walking path. Below are several figures that show the garden in its present state and the locations of the beds.

Figure 4 – The five rectangular beds are shown with three beds that are incomplete.



Figure 5 – This is a view of the garden from N703 where the PC is located for wireless data collection.

The below diagram (Fig. 6) depicts an overview of the design of the system. This system will be built with several technologies and integrated to operate seamlessly and reliably. The items not shown in the drawing below are the wireless devices to communicate the data to a PC inside the Engineering Technology department as well as the PC which will store the data.



Figure 6 – Components layout of Control System

2. DataThe data collected for this project is visible in the specification sheets for the components in the appendix of this report.

3. AssumptionsThere are no assumptions to be made at this time. We are clarifying all questions with responsible parties as they arise.

4. Problem FormulationThe root of the problem for this project is stemming from the need to create sustainable systems. Our CIET program is enabling us to approach these issues and see clearly the application for control systems that will promote sustainability. We followed the theory in place as we designed and implemented the control system. The control system is comprised of a simple multi-variable feedback control loop. This feedback loop measures soil moisture content and reports data back to a controller. The controller analyzes the measurement data and determines, based on the set point, whether or not watering is required for the zone. If watering is required, the controller signals to the solenoid valve for the zone valve to open. The soil Bennett, Lara, Ly, Vega Page 12 of 29

Controller Valve Process

Sensor

Hysteresis

SP


moisture data will be reported back continuously, showing when the moisture content of the soil is within the desired range. The sensors that were ordered for this project provide readings of 0-100% moisture content in the form of humidity. We will control the moisture based on stored data and observed plant growth by the garden club. We will define a specific operating range from the garden club once the beds are complete, however, the system will control within the configured range until then. This control strategy will be a two position control utilizing hysteresis or dead band to produce a range above and below set point. Below is a diagram (Fig. 7) of a feedback loop that represents the control sequence for this project.

Figure 7 – Multi-Variable Feedback Loop

5. CalculationsThe power production and consumption is handled by the solar panel output and stored by the deep cycle battery. Shown below are basic calculations of the power produced by the photovoltaic system and the power consumption by the control system. The calculations show that the largest power consumption will be the solenoids on the water valves.

SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM

Watts Voltage (DC) # of Panels Total Available Watts by System

Total Available Current by System (Amps) Atotal =

(Wtotal /E)

250 12 2 500 41.67



Table 2 – System power calculations.

6. ExperimentsFor our bench testing experiment, we wanted to accomplish the simulation of the actual controls that are going to be required for the automated irrigation system. We connected and configured the microcontroller (Arduino Mega) and wired two moisture sensors. We downloaded basic code to the controller and were able to obtain actual temperature and humidity readings. The Arduino microcontroller does not have an embedded real time clock, for our automated programing controls knowing the time and day will be essential. To overcome this obstacle, we added a real-time clock module to our microcontroller. After some researched and programing, we were successful in simulating actual controls of the automated irrigation system. We were able to receive readings from the moisture sensors with a time stamp and set some parameters to energize an output. We connected two LED’s to simulate the actuation of the water valves. On the other hand, we are also testing the wireless communication. For the wireless communication, we are using two XBee-Pro radio transmitters. These radio transmitters will send data using radio frequencies. In our work bench testing, we configured the two XBee-Pro modules to see each other using the X-CTU free software by Digi International. In order to communicate, the two modules we needed to have the same ID number (the name of the network), and same baud speed. In the software, we programmed one of the modules to be a coordinator and the other to be a router. These XBee-Pro modules provide one of the best wireless connectivity ranges between devices. According to the datasheet, these devices will support RF line-of-sight ranges up to 28 miles (with high-gain antennas), and are ideal for extended-range applications requiring increased data throughput.



Once construction was complete, we were able to run some tests on the system. We experimented with the physical system by running a solenoid test program in the Arduino. This allowed us to confirm the zones were wired to the proper location as well as test the functionality of the solenoid valves. Next, we tested the SHT1x moisture sensors by connecting them one by one to verify the connections and terminations. We also tested the functionality of the humidity control by manually raising and lowering the humidity of the sensors to ensure the water was flowing through the pipe on the proper zones.

Results

i. Presentation of ResultsThe results of the project are described and outlined below in the form of screenshots and tables. In Figures 8 thru 11, we demonstrate the results of the experimental simulation that was conducted during our bench testing.

Figure 8 – Bench testing of Arduino boards, LEDs to simulate solenoid valves, and PC screenshots.



Figure 9 - Time Stamp of Real Time Clock (RTC).

Figure 10 - Moisture Sensor Readings.

Figure 11 – Moisture Sensor Readings and RTC Time Stamp.

The following screenshots were captured to help describe and present the operation of the system. Figure 12 shows a section of the Arduino code that contains the set points for the humidity control of the zones. The cases for watering are based on humidity levels less than or greater than 75%. For the cases of higher ambient dry bulb temperature of the Texas summers, we use a humidity set point of 80% when the outside temperature is above 90°F.



Figure 12 – Arduino code segment for humidity set points. There is one for each zone.

We have successfully been able to transmit the sensor data as well as date and time of the samples wirelessly to the PC in N703. While our original intent was to bring this data into LabVIEW, this posed several stability issues and we decided to use X-CTU as our server for data display and storage. The X-CTU software is made by Digi, the company that produces the XBee wireless transmitters that we used. X-CTU is also the software used to configure the XBee modules.



At the time that this data was collected, the sensors were hanging in ambient outside air. The soil delivery had not been made yet to the garden club. The sensors will be buried in the soil once the garden beds are complete. The irrigation valve control based on humidity was tested by manually manipulating the humidity up and down to drive the solenoid valves open and closed.

Below are screenshots of the X-CTU software displaying the readings wirelessly from the garden as well as the signal strength in the network discovery mode.

Figure 13-This is showing both the interpreted ASCII Hex as well as the raw ASCII Hex received from the Arduino.



Figure 14 – A closer view of the data from a detached window.

The sensor data is transmitted roughly once per minute to the PC in N703. The console log session can be saved and viewed at a later date. This is the data retention portion of our project and an example of this being done is in the screenshot below using the Console Session Viewer in X-CTU.



Figure 15 – This is an example of a saved data log being displayed in the Console Session Viewer. These can be viewed on the PC in N703.

Figure 16 – This is the network discovery tab which shows the connection strength (dBm) between the garden node and the node connected to the PC in N703.



The power needed for the system’s automated controls is supplied by using renewable energy, which is produced by the solar panels. The solar panel array consists of two panels, but only one is connected to the system. The system consists of two electrical/electronic enclosures. The main control enclosure consists of all the components needed for the automation of the watering system. The other enclosure houses the charge controller and the battery. The charge controller controls the power produced by the solar panel and regulates the voltage to the battery to assure the battery is fully charged or does not becomes overcharged. The following figures demonstrate the equipment mentioned and its components.

Figure 17 – Solar Panel Array.



Figure 18 – Main Control Panel . Figure 19 – Battery and Charge Controller Sub-Panel.

ii. Interpretation of ResultsDue to the fact that the garden isn’t 100% complete and our system isn’t contributing to the efficient control of soil moisture using our control strategy, our discussion of the results will be limited to what we were able to experiment with. The system works as designed and we are confident that once the beds are prepared, control of the irrigation system will be satisfactory. The sensors read within their specified percentage of error relative to each other. We intend to provide any necessary support once the garden club is ready.

We are able to discuss the power output of the solar panel and the overall function of the sustainable power source. Initially, we connected only one of the solar panels to the charge controller due to the measured voltage being 35VDC measured with a DMM. This provided enough power to charge the battery for testing and troubleshooting. Connecting the second solar panel in series will provide enough power for recharging the battery if auxiliary lighting is added in the future. This will also support additional irrigation zones and controllers if other functions are required.

Future WorkThis project will require administration of the server data and storage of the digital logs. It will also require set point adjustments to the zones be made periodically upon request of the garden club. The sensors will need to be buried once the soil is placed in the beds. The solar system will also have to be periodically checked. This system should remain relatively maintenance free.



Appendices

Figure 20 – Picture showing water valve, control wire conduit, and site prep for in ground maintenance box.



Figure 21 – Site work progress of bed layout.

Figure 22 – Showing the trench containing the solenoid wiring, control pipe, and water pipe.



Figure 23 – Picture showing trenching for the conduit and water piping.

Figure 24 – Water valve installation below ground. Control wire conduit is grey colored.



Figure 25 – Team working on the Main Control Panel mounting.

Figure 26 – Freddy checking component installation in the main panel.



ConclusionIn conclusion, this project allowed the students to focus on many of the topics discussed and practiced throughout our learning experience. This project provided challenges in all aspects of control and instrumentation as well as project management and teamwork. Due to the fact that there were several involved parties within our team, university, as well as outside contractors, we were able to gain a full project experience in this course. Environmental impacts as well as a community involvement have made this project a milestone for our team and CIET program. The result of this project provided the university a fully functioning, self-sustaining, automated irrigation system for the community garden. This system will control the soil moisture content for several different zones independently and will provide viewing as well as archiving all of the measurement data for future review and analysis. This project will continue to give back to the university and those in its community for years to come.

Figure 27 – Our dedicated team of students. (From left to right: Steven Bennett, Jose Vega, Freddy Lara, and Brian Ly)



References

1. "Sustainable Gardening.". San Mateo County Recycle Works, n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2015.

<http://www.recycleworks.org/compost/sustainable_gardening.html>.

2. "California Central Valley's Land Is Becoming as Unstable." CBSNews. CBS Interactive,

n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2015. <http://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-drought-central-

valley-sinking-land-becoming-as-unstable-as-water-supply/>.

3. "What Is U.S. Electricity Generation by Energy Source?" U.S. Energy Information

Administration, n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2015. <http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?

id=427&t=3>.

4. "Extension Educational Harris County." Publication Links, Veggies - Herbs. Texas A&M,

n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2015. <http://harris.agrilife.org/hort/publications-links/veggies-herbs/

>.


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