Simulation of a Small Smart Greenhouse

Abstract

This paper investigates the design and implementation of a small greenhouse, based on an estimation of the required annual electrical loads, using robust energy modelling free software, namely OpenStudio. The greenhouse optimum materials, shape and orientation were estimated from this software, using weather file data and established environmental set points. Real-world electrical load estimations for the temperature, irrigation and lighting subsystems were consequently made, resulting in a good estimation of the required solar panel and battery combination. Sensors and actuators to physically establish the environmental set points were described, controlling with a microcontroller, while minimizing power losses. To maximize power throughput to the battery, a maximum power point tracking algorithm was described and modelled in Simulink, specifically for this system, using the microcontroller to implement a Perturb and Observe algorithm.