"Smart greenhouse": automation for greenhouses

Many adherents of a garden economy, being engaged in cultivation of various cultures, begin with construction of an ordinary greenhouse. After planting the seeds and start a variety of efforts to maintain and preserve the crops. If the greenhouse is small, then it will not cause much concern. But what about those who have built a massive structure on the site that requires almost constant supervision? Our material will tell about the features of "smart greenhouses", which can significantly ease the work of gardeners.

What it is?

Many grow greenhouse vegetables for the sake of the process, because it is nice to feel that these products are practically made by hand. Some owners of the dacha plots with great pleasure would have taken on such a matter even more seriously, but that's just neither the strength nor the time for that.The automated system that controls irrigation, ventilation, fertilizer supply is still the ultimate dream of some summer residents. In fact, all dreams are already successfully working in real life.

Due to the fact that progress is constantly developing, the “smart greenhouse” exists in reality. The development of the construction market and related technologies has led to the fact that today the machine can control all the processes.

Actually, why greenhouse automation? It is enough to take as an example an ordinary greenhouse and consider what processes are taking place there. Considering that the climate control there is conducted properly, but this is done, rather, whenever possible, albeit daily.

With the advent of the first rays of the sun, the temperature in the greenhouse begins to increase sharply. This is a very favorable time for plants. The only thing is that at the same time the temperature difference between the soil and the air grows. In this regard, the roots, remaining cold, can not fully provide the shoots with moisture. This phenomenon is not very beneficial effect on the growth of the ovary.

Ventilation is even worse. Usually, the owner goes to air the greenhouse when the temperature inside exceeds 40 ° C.With the opening of doors and air vents, the draft together with the warm air carries away the remnants of moisture, forming, in fact, a desert climate. This creates an ideal breeding ground for pests and diseases.

In the evening, when the temperature regains its balance, the plants will return to normal. But if you compare the results of the harvest, the vegetables from the automated greenhouse will be more, and they will look much prettier. It turns out that the main task of the "smart" greenhouse is to provide a comfortable microclimate for plants.

Special features

This work of "garden" art appeared quite a long time ago and over the years has been deservedly popular. Spend all the time on the summer cottage can only afford retirees. The remaining categories of people to the extent of their employment can visit their gardens only periodically.

Automatic greenhouse is a unique design, designed to maximize the work of gardeners. And you can make "smart" any greenhouse. It all depends on the acumen of the gardener and the use of modern technology.

An “intelligent” greenhouse to possess its “intelligent” title must necessarily meet the following characteristics:

  • adjustment of the temperature inside the greenhouse should occur automatically using an air sensor;
  • obligatory presence of drip irrigation system;
  • the soil in the greenhouse should be restored without human assistance.

There is no great need for an automated greenhouse to be crammed from top to bottom with new products from modern production systems. Equipment of the greenhouse can be made with the minimum expenses. The main aspect is the coordinated functionality of all installed systems. This ensures maximum efficiency.

Types and designs

All the benefits of your own greenhouse can be seen at the moment when fresh and tasty vegetables appear on the table. And this happens every day, and not only on warm summer days. No need for canning and freezing for future use. A greenhouse gives everything fresh, natural and its own.

To choose a quality design, you need to take into account the parameters of the terrain. and, of course, decide on the choice of cultivated crops.It is difficult not to get lost in the variety of the proposed options, because today a large range of models is on the market, and one is better than the other. And modern country craftsmen offer their own inventions, much more advanced than some factory designs. So what to choose?

First you need to decide on what is needed greenhouse:

  • what will grow in it and in what amounts;
  • the construction will be used only in summer or all year round;
  • dimensions of the structure;
  • the number of vegetables grown (for personal use or also for sale);
  • degree of greenhouse automation, etc.

Mainly on the market are glass greenhouses on a metal frame in the form of a house, as well as interesting arched structures made of polycarbonate. It is easier to bend a sheet of this material in the form of an arch than to cut it; besides, the factor of tightness of the structure is important here. Before making a choice, it is necessary to consider all the disadvantages and advantages of these greenhouses.

In the form of an arch

Pros:

  • small plane of reflection, so there is more sunlight;
  • a large amount of free space - the plants have where to grow in length;
  • the design has a nice appearance;
  • simplicity of construction and ease of transportation;
  • the ability to add new segments to expand the cultivated area.

Cons design:

  • the snow practically does not roll off such a greenhouse, and there is a possibility that the structure may bend and break;
  • if improperly assembled, leakproofness can be broken and, in addition to water, harmful insects can get into the greenhouse;
  • if it is not securely attached to the foundation, the structure may be blown down.

Greenhouse house

Benefits:

  • such a structure is easy to do with your own hands;
  • snow on the roof does not linger, so do not worry about deflection;
  • in a greenhouse of this type it is easier to install various automation systems;
  • the choice of materials for construction is quite diverse;
  • there is the possibility of further improving the appearance.

Disadvantages:

  • the greenhouse has a strong degree of reflection due to a flat surface, so the plants may not have enough solar heat;
  • in the future, if you need to expand the area, it will be difficult to do;
  • a large number of components that require constant monitoring;
  • the roof of such greenhouses is quite heavy, so when building the structure a strong and solid foundation is needed.

In addition to traditional forms, you can consider other types of greenhouses.It all depends on the convenience of work and the requirements imposed by the plants themselves. For example, cucumbers need a wide space, and tomatoes need height.

Widespread demand among summer residents today uses a greenhouse called "Clever". Due to the fact that the design of this greenhouse is very comfortable and durable, it will serve for a very long time. But the most important thing that distinguishes this greenhouse from others is that it has an opening roof.

You can group all the benefits of "Goodies" as follows:

  • reliability and simplicity of design;
  • practical type of roofing;
  • easy adjustment of humidity and temperature parameters.

To control the roof is a special roller lift, the use of which does not require special skills. In winter, the greenhouse can be left unclosed. Due to this, the soil will be saturated with moisture, preventing the soil freezing and possible roof deformation.

In addition, this "smart" greenhouse is able to independently create the necessary microclimate inside. The name of the greenhouse itself says that the quality is at a height here.Well, an indisputable advantage is the low cost, which will allow you to recoup the costs in a short time.

You can create a smart greenhouse with your own hands. Automation of the greenhouse will help implement the controlling system Arduino, through which it is possible to continuously monitor the main processes. Arduino automatics notify the owner about the operation of the ventilation system, humidity, power outages and other functions. The data can be displayed on a computer or tablet display or an alert can be made using light signaling.

Autonomous operation of a homemade greenhouse is achieved by installing a kit, which includes wiring diagrams, closers with thermal sensors and modules for various purposes.

The basic project of a homemade "smart" greenhouse allows you to automatically perform the following functions:

  • control and adjustment of the temperature inside the greenhouse;
  • air humidity monitoring;
  • soil moistening;
  • plant lighting.

The best options

In most cases, gardeners prefer foreign models of production, believing that foreign manufacturers produce higher quality products.In fact, domestic counterparts in quality and functionality in no way inferior to them.

The “smart” greenhouse according to Kurdyumov from polycarbonate provides for the use of a drip irrigation system and automatic ventilation without the use of electricity. It is equipped with an automatic ventilation system to provide a comfortable climate conducive to the growth of crops.

The principle of the mechanism is quite simple:

  • a hydraulic cylinder with a liquid is installed on the transom, which, in essence, can be called a thermal sensor;
  • when the air in the greenhouse is heated, the liquid expands, pushes the piston and a window opens;
  • when the temperature drops, the reverse occurs.

The piston is able to develop an effort up to 100 kg, which makes it possible to move a window up to 2 sq. M. The service life of such a device reaches several years, so the price can be considered quite acceptable. The vents are usually arranged in such a way as not to cause excessive windage, otherwise the greenhouse may be destroyed if the wind gusts strong.

Drip irrigation is a way to deliver moisture.in which water is delivered in small portions directly to the root system of the plant.To do this, apply a simple set of tubes, hoses and nozzles. Due to this, the soil always has the necessary level of humidity. In addition, the water manages to warm up to ambient temperature, which has a good effect on the growth of seedlings.

Since the entire irrigation process takes place automatically, the summer resident no longer needs to do it himself. For further convenience during irrigation, the same hydraulic cylinder is used as for ventilation, that is, the tap opens when the fluid expands. The main factor is the presence of water in the tank, because irrigation is considered automatic while there is something to water.

Following the recommendations of Kurdyumov, the soil inside the greenhouse should be covered with a low layer of organic material (mulch). Mulching prevents the emergence of weeds and retains the necessary level of moisture. To preserve heat, light materials such as straw or sawdust can be used as organics. This is achieved by maintaining an established climate in the greenhouse.

Toeplitz Kurdyumov will help an experienced summer resident to increase crop yields and reduce labor costs for greenhouse maintenance.Thus, it becomes obvious: there are worthy craftsmen and manufacturers in the Russian Federation who can compete with foreign competitors.

Benefits

For the cultivation of vegetables in the "smart" greenhouse does not require the constant presence of a person. The owner of the cottage should only plant seedlings in the ground. The use of automation in greenhouses can greatly facilitate the work on the summer cottage. In this case, the crop can be harvested throughout the year.

Automation allows you to create the ideal conditions for climate control in a greenhouse. Autonomy systems help save time and resources. It is worth noting that the "smart" greenhouse, despite its apparent complexity, has a very common design. To build a greenhouse can any summer resident familiar with the tools. After installing the automatic control system of the greenhouse, the summer resident will be able to feel that the garden plot is not only physical labor, but also a place for outdoor recreation.

For information on which automatics to choose on the greenhouse, see the video below.

Comments
 Author
Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

Entrance hall

Living room

Bedroom