Applications and Implications
Tasks:
Propose a final project that integrates the range of units covered.
Define the scope of a project
Develop a project plan
Think of your project plan as an ‘installation and implementation guide’ for the future. How will others be able to make your project by reading your documentation?
Answering the questions:
Grow It Yourself (GIY)
What will it do?
So, what I am trying to do is something like a box or incubator, which is able to create ideal climate conditions necessary for growth, providing exactly the amount of light and nutrients that a plant needs. I want to build a sunlight emulator, irrigation system, and climate controller wrapped into one elegant and modern design.
The main purpose of the system is to be able to grow HEALTHIER herbs/plants at a FASTER rate than the conventional systems
Who has done what beforehand?
Indoor growing systems are not new. There are many examples and variants out there, from simple windowsill grow boxes to warehouse-scale growing facilities.
Some nice examples of growing systems that already exist are:
A very nice research made by a former FabStudent Guillaume Teyssié, is on the topic of Aquaponics, and can be found Here
What materials and components will be required? Where will they come from? How much will it cost?
The system consists of two parts: The structure, here is included all the mechanical aspects, and the electronics, the brain and the sensors integrated in the system.
Electronics
| Component | Name | Tutorial | DataSheet | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
GIY Board (ATmega32u4) | PinOut | Atmel | $4.30 |
 |
Utrasonic Atomizer | FogPonics | Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Atomizer | $9.95 |
 |
DHT11 Humidity & Temperature Sensor | Arduino Connect | DHT11 | $5.00 |
 |
Graphic LCD 12864B | Arduino Serial | Manual | $17.00 |
 |
ESP2866 WiFi Module | PinOut | DataSheet | $3.2 |
 |
LDR Photoresistor | Tutorial | LDR | $0.9 |
 |
DS18B20 (digital temperature sensor) | Tutorial | DS18B20 | $3.95 |
 |
Logo pH Sensor v1.1 | Tutorial | --- | $55.95 |
 |
OSRAM LH-CPDP LED | --- | Ceramic LED | $1.62 |
For the mechanical stucture I will use:
PLA for 3D printing parts
Plywood for the wooden structure
Acrylic for some lasercut parts
All materials are available in our stock at FabLab Kamp-Lintfort or have been ordered already. Total cost is estimated to be below 150 euro
What parts and systems will be made?
I will build the mechanical structure, build the waterproof water container, build the PCB board, and the LED light system. Basically all the parts except the ones that require electronic components which I purchased in advance
What processes will be used?
I am planning to use the following techniques:
2D and 3D design
Laser cutting and 3D printing
CNC Milling
Electronics Design & Production
Input and Output Devices
Embedded Programming
Network and Communication
Interface and Application Programming
At this point I am not quite sure If I manage to integrate the Molding & Casting, and Composites technique, but during the process, I will try my best to implement all the skills learned!
What tasks need to be completed?
The most important task is to eat the leafy greens that I will grow along the Fab Academy. I really want to show that my system is able to grow plants!
To be honest, at this point I do not have much done, but I possess the knowledge gained! I am confident about what I want, and more or less I know how to achive this, the only matter is the time!
Currently I have verified that all systems are working separately, but now I have to make the final PCB board, and integrate all the systems together
What questions need to be answered?
Timeeee.....will I manage to taste the plants from a fully working system before the deadline?)
What is the schedule?
Design and solder the final PCB - deadline 4th June
Program the board and integrate the sensors + LED lights - deadline 11th June
Finish the mechanical structure and Final Modifications - deadline 18th June
How will it be evaluated?
Mechanical resistance of the structure and water leakage behavior of the system
Correct performance of the hardware and software part (full automatization)
I will carefully monitor the plants growth, and start to identify some trends
Last but not the least, I will evaluate the taste of the food produced!!!
