1. SDP17 Gro-Pro Abstract System Overview Block Diagram Results
Michael D’Anna, Samantha de Groot, Maxwell Joyce, Shaun Palmer
Faculty Advisor: Prof. Robert Jackson
Abstract
The Gro-Pro completely automates the process of growing plants in a system designed to fit within one’s home. It uses a Raspberry Pi to interpret readings from four different sensors and uses that data to optimize growing conditions for the desired plants being grown. Useful feedback is given to the user about the condition of the plants via an Android application, which also helps the user learn about gardening. It utilizes hydroponics, a more efficient method for growing plants than traditional potted soil. Everything from lighting and watering cycles to nutrient and pH regulation is automated, as to make it simple for anybody to grow plants; all you have to do is plant your seeds and press go.
System Overview
Block Diagram
A: Large water basin
B: Small basin
C: Water pumps
D: Air pump
E: Air stone
F: pH regulation system
G: Nutrient dispenser
H: Lights
I: Runoff return
Sensors
J: Hygrometers
K: Temp and humidity sensor
L: pH electrode
M: Float sensors
Results
The gro-pro met all of our team’s specifications and has had great success growing plants. It is entirely automated with the exception of the user having to add water to the big basin- which only needs to be done around once per month. Our greenhouse is currently growing tomatoes, hot peppers, spinach, basil and garden beans and our team has eaten radishes and spinach that we have grown.
Specifications
Automated: lighting, hydroponics, nutrient dispensing, pH regulation
Must fit inside a studio apartment ~(2’x4’)
Yield 5-8 fruiting plants
Closed loop system to recycle and efficiently use water
Reusable- able to grow plants over and over again
Android app that has a simple UI and is easy for people to use and learn about growing plants
Acknowledgement
Our group would like to thank our advisor: Professor Jackson, our faculty evaluators: Professor Tessier and Professor Polizzi and Fran Caron. Lastly, we would like to thank Linear Technologies for providing us with a free voltage regulator test board and sample parts.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
ECE 415/ECE 416 – SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT 2017
College of Engineering - University of Massachusetts Amherst
SDP17

2. Comparison of our System to Traditional Gardening
Sensors
Comparison of our System to Traditional Gardening
Hygrometer
pH Electrode
Android Application
The Android Application is an android web app. This means that the content is hosted on the Raspberry Pi on an Apache web server and is accessed through an app using Android web view, or a web browser. The app provides the user with live information on the status of the plants including temperature, humidity, and hygrometer readings. The app also notifies the user when the large basin needs to be refilled, as well as when the nutrients need to be changed. Additionally, it provides information on how to germinate and care for plants.
Float Sensor
Temp/Humidity
Cost Analysis
Using tomatoes as an example and estimating a cost of $2.00 per pound when bought from the store, we estimate that the customer will break even after harvesting 642 lb of tomatoes, which equates to eight 60 day seed to harvest growth cycles with 30 day spacing; this would take about 2 years.
Cost
Our Team
Part
Development
Production (1000)
Hydroponics
$355.12
$200.00
Lights
$138.00
$100.00
Sensors
$70.79
$40.00
PCB and Components
$9.21
$1.00
Other Electronics
$60.40
$30.00
Building Materials
$101.41
$60.00
Plexiglas and UV film
$150.93
Tax and Shipping
$38.45
$25.00
Total
$924.31
$556.00