A climate control methodology based on wireless sensor networks in greenhouses

Abstract

This work proposes the design and operation methodologies of a wireless sensor network (WSN) in the greenhouse environment that can lead to the development of an advanced, distributed monitoring and control system. The combined use of conventional sensors with remote sensing technology embedded in a WSN, together with processing algorithms that provide the synthesized information (e.g., performance indicators) required for optimal greenhouse control and decision making, lead to the development of an integrated climate monitoring and control system, towards the realization of precision greenhouse horticulture. Several specific problems related to greenhouse environments are addressed in this work, towards the feasibility of WSNs usage inside the greenhouse, like wireless nodes packaging, standardization of WSN components, electromagnetic fields interference, effects of greenhouse cover materials, etc. The performance of the fine-tuned WSN is evaluated, based on real-time measurements and communication and energy consumption metrics.