Prototype Concept
The idea is design an indoor smart hydroponic system which we can measure the environmental changes with sensors using Infineon products.
Element 14 Design Challenge – Sustain the World
Here is a block diagram of the concept design.
The idea is to create a photosynthesis inside garage and optimize the plant growth.
Result
I’ve got the 2nd prize (runner up) in 2020 Element 14 Sustain the World Challenge contest
Element 14 Sustain the World Challenge Blog pages
I built a proof-of-concept system in my garage.
I compared this PoC system with a commercial hydroponic system. Even though this system looks more like DIY work, we can monitor environmental changes over time and add extra control like wind and oxygen to the hydroponic system!
Here is the summary of the feature sets
|
Features
|
This Smart Hydroponic System
|
Commercial Hydroponic System
|
|---|---|---|
| Light | Yes | Yes |
| Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Water Level Sensor | Yes but broken (new water level sensor is coming) | No |
| Temperature | No – Can be supported but running out of I2C connection | No |
| Humidity | No – can be supported but running out of I2C connection | No |
| Cooling Fan | Yes | No |
| Air Pump | Yes | No |
| Exterior decoration | Bad – Looks like DIY | Good |
| Remote Control | Yes – light, air pump | No |
| Camera | Yes with Real Sense Camera | No |
| CO2 Sensor | Yes | No |
| TDS (Total Dissolved Solid Sensor) | Yes | No |
Details
Infineon XMC4700 Relax Lite with Platform IO