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.

Bennett, Lara, Ly, Vega Page 1 of 28
ExecutiveSummary
Food 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.

Table of Contents
Executive 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. SelectedApproach 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 Review
Sustainable 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 & Description
Our 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 & Impact
The 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 Approaches
There 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. Materials
For 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 Sources
RENOGY® 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_b
xgy_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=U
TF8&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/P
ower-Sonic/PS-
121000/?qs=UXgszm6BlbH8WYDNnX
MnWA%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+cont
roller
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_s
bs_60_29?ie=UTF8&refRID=0EZENSD
XYCFY171M703B
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=i
ndustrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1433205916&s
r=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/D
etail.cfm?NavPath=2,648,1250&Prod=T
I-ANALOG-SHIELD
GeauxRobot Arduino DUE
Enclosure Case BoxClear
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_moN346cMCFZCEaQodZkc
AGQ
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-DigitTube 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?i
e=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
SainSmart16-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
SainSmart1602 LCD Shield
Module DisplayV3 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
57202 PVC Slip Swivel Adapter,
Green 5 $2.61 $13.05
http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-
WaterMaster-Underground-57202-
Adapter/dp/B001H1NGSY/ref=pd_sim_

86_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BMHBCQ2K7
DR3KZD250P
Orbit 53230 Valve Box Base
1 $10.46 $10.46
http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-53230-
Valve-Box-
Base/dp/B0040QUMUS/ref=pd_bxgy_8
6_text_y
(A) Orbit 57197 Manifold Cap,
Green
1 $7.19 $7.19
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
Green-Port-
Manifold/dp/B004GGMU4I/ref=sr_1_1?i
e=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?i
e=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
Transition-Adapter-57198/203404583
(I) 1 in. or 3/4 in. Slip PVC
Manifold Transition Adapter
10 $3.17 $31.70
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
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/B0040QWL
48?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 – ActualGarden 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 show n w ith three beds that are incomplete.

Figure 5 – This is a view of the garden from N703 w here the PC is located for w ireless 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. Data
The data collected for this project is visible in the specification sheets for the components in the
appendix of this report.
3. Assumptions
There are no assumptions to be made at this time. We are clarifying all questions with
responsible parties as they arise.
4. Problem Formulation
The 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
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. Calculations
The 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
Controller Valve Process
Sensor

Hysteresis
SP

Table 2 – System pow er calculations.
6. Experiments
For 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 Results
The 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
casesof higherambientdrybulbtemperatureof the Texassummers,we use ahumiditysetpointof 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 show ing both the interpreted ASCII Hex as w ellas the raw ASCII Hex received fromthe Arduino.

Figure 14 – A closer view of the data froma detached w indow.
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 View er. These can be view ed on the PC
in N703.
Figure 16 – This is the netw orkdiscoverytab which showsthe connection strength (dBm) betw eenthe 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 Results
Due 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 Work
This 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 show ing watervalve, controlwire conduit, and site prep for in ground maintenance box.

Figure 21 – Site w orkprogressof bed layout.
Figure 22 – Show ing the trench containing the solenoid w iring, controlpipe, and w ater pipe.

Figure 23 – Picture show ing trenching for the conduit and w ater piping.
Figure 24 – Water valve installation below ground. Controlw ire conduit is grey colored.

Figure 25 – Team w orking on the Main Control Panel mounting.
Figure 26 – Freddy checking component installation in the main panel.

Conclusion
In 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/>.

ENGR_4328_UHD_Brian Ly_ Sustainable Community Garden_ Final Report

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