Design of Control and Data Handling System for MEPA Plant Cultivation Unit

Kurzfassung

The work presented here pertains to developing a proof of concept Control and Data Handling System for the Mobile Deployable Plant Cultivation Unit (MEPA). MEPA is a (semi-)closed-loop controlled environment agriculture system and the targeted application is crop cultivation in arid regions and food security in refugee camps. The system is powered by solar energy and is designed to be a stand-alone unit. Control of the actuators based on the sensor measurements is done in the MEPA system and CDHS is responsible for this. Different modes of operation are possible for the automated support unit (ASU) which houses the power control and distribution system (PCDS), nutrient delivery system (NDS), and CDHS. The mode in which the ASU operates is automatically switched by the CDHS. The proof-of-concept CDHS for MEPA is assembled, integrated, and tested for the duration of the thesis work. The CDHS hardware is composed primarily of NI cDAQ chassis, modules, sensors and actuators. A graphical user interface (GUI) in LabVIEW is developed for use on a computer. The components of the CDHS and PCDS systems were integrated into the ASU. The associated electrical and signal layout is designed as well, and the harnessing is built into the prototype system. Various tests were conducted to characterize the performance of the CDHS and PCDS in different operating modes and conditions. The results of these tests showed that the CDHS can successfully control the actuators in the MEPA system and switch between different modes of operation of the ASU. The working prototype of the ASU, has been coupled to the seed cultivation mat (SCM) and has successfully enabled plant cultivation. The results demonstrate that the MEPA system is a promising solution for sustainable plant cultivation in arid regions and humanitarian relief efforts.