A solar greenhouse managing temperature and humidity using sensors and

automated controls.
1st Mbalenhle Mahlangu 2nd Evans Dube 3rdVuyolwethu Kanisi
Electrical engineering Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Central University of Technology Central University of Technology Central University of Technology
Central University of Technology Rustenburg, South Africa Mthatha, South Africa
222081660@stud.cut.ac.za 223074226@stud.cut.ac.za 221011219@stud.cut.ac.za

4th Njabulo Madonsela 5th Leletu Manyanya 6thVictor Makgahlela

Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Central University of Technology Central University of Technology Central University of Technology
Bergville, South Africa Mthatha, South Africa Polokwane, South Africa
222000478@stud.cut.ac.za 223088279@stud.cut.ac.za 222050985@ stud.cut.ac.za

7th Ntombikayise Makhubela 8th Thato Sesing 9th Zinhle Shusha

Electrical engineering Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Central University of Technology Central University of Technology Central University of Technology
Joburg, South Africa Botshabelo, South Africa Port Shepstone, South Africa
223082574@stud.cut.ac.za 216010614@stud.cut.ac.za 223060204@stud.cut.ac.za

10th Moses Mtsweni

Electrical Engineering
Central University of Technology
Belfast, South Africa
223010335@stud.cut.ac.za

Abstract-Greenhouses have transitioned from manually environmental fluctuations. Ultimately, this report aims to
operated setups to sophisticated automated systems designed educate stakeholders on the potential of automated solar
to enhance plant growth conditions. This report examines the greenhouses in advancing sustainable farming practices and
development of a solar-powered automated greenhouse improving agricultural efficiency.
system that improves climate regulation and resource
efficiency. The system incorporates four essential sensors— I. INTRODUCTION
temperature, humidity, sunlight, and water level—to A solar-powered greenhouse is a structure that harnesses solar
continuously monitor environmental parameters and energy to regulate its internal environment, providing light,
autonomously control climate regulation mechanisms. The heat, and optimal growing conditions while reducing reliance
heater, humidifier, and fan function based on preset on external energy sources. Unlike traditional greenhouses
conditions, maintaining optimal growth conditions while that require external heating and ventilation, solar
minimizing the need for human intervention. The temperature greenhouses utilize solar panels, heat-retaining materials, and
sensor operates within a range of 0 to 50°C, facilitating energy-efficient designs to maintain stable temperature and
precise temperature regulation. The humidity sensor measures humidity levels. This approach not only reduces energy
moisture levels between 0% and 100%, ensuring adequate consumption but also enhances sustainability and cost-
humidity for plant development. The sunlight sensor detects effectiveness.
solar exposure, influencing heating and cooling requirements,
while the water sensor monitors irrigation tank levels, The concept of solar greenhouses dates to the early 20th
ensuring the humidifier functions only when water is century, with the first prototypes emerging in the 1920s.
available. However, their adoption gained momentum during the energy
crises of the 1970s when rising oil prices and environmental
One of the key challenges in greenhouse agriculture is concerns spurred interest in alternative energy sources for
achieving stable growing conditions while optimizing energy agriculture. Over the decades, advancements in solar
and water use. This report presents an automated solution that technology and energy-efficient materials have improved the
leverages sensor-driven decision-making and solar energy to reliability and accessibility of solar greenhouses.
enhance efficiency. By replacing manual monitoring with A key challenge in solar greenhouse operation is managing
intelligent automation, the system improves resource temperature and humidity, which can fluctuate due to varying
management, minimizes energy dependence, and boosts crop sunlight conditions. While solar energy provides an abundant
productivity. Additionally, the report explores the historical power source, these fluctuations can negatively impact plant
progression of greenhouse technology and its significance in growth if not properly regulated. To address this, modern
addressing climate-related challenges. The proposed system solar greenhouses integrate automated control systems that
highlights how the integration of renewable energy and monitor environmental variables in real-time. These systems
automation can transform agriculture, promoting sustainable use sensors to measure temperature, humidity, and light
food production while increasing resilience against levels, while actuators such as heaters, fans, and humidifiers
adjust the climate as needed. Automation reduces human
intervention, enhances energy efficiency, and ensures a stable 2. The Role of Solar Energy in Greenhouse Systems
growing environment.
The integration of solar power in greenhouse automation
reduces energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels. Solar-
powered greenhouses utilize photovoltaic panels to provide
sustainable energy for heating, cooling, and lighting, ensuring
stable growing conditions regardless of external climate
variations. Studies suggest that solar-powered heating and
cooling systems can reduce energy consumption by up to
60%, while hybrid solar-wind systems offer continuous
energy availability in regions with inconsistent sunlight.

Solar energy storage solutions, such as battery systems, allow

excess energy to be stored for use during low sunlight periods
or power outages. This ensures continuous operation of
Figure 1:The operating system of a solar greenhouse system essential greenhouse components, including heaters, lights,
Choosing the Right Fit: Exploring Different Heat Pump Types and ventilation systems, reducing dependence on external
- Apollo Heat Pumps energy providers and mitigating the impact of rising
electricity costs. The adoption of solar technology in
greenhouse operations has been shown to improve energy
This report focuses on designing an automated control system efficiency, sustainability, and long-term cost savings. [2]
for managing temperature and humidity in a solar greenhouse.
The system will utilize sensors and actuators to maintain
optimal plant-growing conditions while minimizing energy 3. The Role of Sensors in Greenhouse Automation
consumption. The objectives of this report are to design the Automated greenhouse systems rely on various sensors to
control system, analyze its performance, and evaluate the monitor and regulate internal conditions:
efficiency of integrating solar energy with automation.
 Temperature Sensors: Measure internal temperature and
The report is structured as follows: Section II reviews the trigger heating or cooling mechanisms to maintain
history of solar greenhouses, the role of automation in optimal plant-growing conditions.
agriculture, and previous research on greenhouse control  Humidity Sensors: Detect air moisture levels and activate
systems. Section III outlines the methodology for designing humidifiers or dehumidifiers to ensure appropriate
and implementing the sensor-based automation system. humidity levels for different plant species.
Section IV presents results, including performance testing and  Sunlight Sensors: Monitor natural light levels and adjust
system effectiveness. Finally, Section V summarizes findings artificial lighting to optimize photosynthesis and energy
and provides recommendations for future advancements in efficiency based on seasonal variations.
solar greenhouse automation.  Water Level Sensors: Prevent water waste by monitoring
soil moisture and activating irrigation systems only when
II. LITERATURE REVIEW necessary. Smart irrigation techniques incorporating
these sensors have been shown to reduce water
1. Automated Greenhouses consumption by 30-50%.
Greenhouses play a crucial role in controlled environment By integrating these sensor-based systems, solar-powered
agriculture, enabling year-round cultivation by regulating greenhouses can achieve enhanced efficiency, sustainability,
temperature, humidity, and irrigation. Traditional and productivity with minimal human intervention. [3]
greenhouses relied on manual monitoring, which was labour-
intensive and prone to human error. However, the increasing 4. Output Systems in Solar Greenhouses (Fan, Humidifier,
demand for energy-efficient and resource-conscious farming and Heater)
has driven the adoption of automated greenhouse systems. 4.1. Fans for Air Circulation
Automated greenhouses integrate sensors, controllers, and Effective air circulation is essential in solar greenhouses for
actuators to maintain optimal growing conditions. Sensors maintaining optimal growing conditions. Different types of
monitor variables such as temperature, humidity, light levels, fans serve specific functions:
and soil moisture, while controllers process this data to adjust Exhaust Fans: Expel warm, stale air, promoting temperature
environmental conditions in real time. Actuators then execute control and fresh air intake. Solar-powered exhaust fans, such
necessary actions, such as opening vents, activating irrigation, as the Amtrak Solar Powerful Attic Exhaust Fan, operate
or adjusting shading. Research indicates that sensor-based independently of the electrical grid, reducing energy costs. [3]
control systems not only improve crop yields but also reduce
resource waste and manual intervention, representing a
significant advancement in modern greenhouse technology.
[1]
 Figure 4: Misting Fan How to Build a Greenhouse Misting
Figure 2: Exhaust fan 14” Greenhouse Exhaust Fan Package System - Greenhouse Info
- BC Greenhouses
Exhaust fans are particularly effective when integrated with
Circulation Fans (HAF Fans): Ensure uniform air distribution, temperature and sunlight sensors, triggering ventilation when
preventing hotspots and regulating humidity. They also heat levels rise.
reduce fungal disease risks and promote healthy plant growth.
Solar Innovations offers circulation fans specifically designed
for greenhouse environments. 4.2. Heating Systems for Temperature Control
Maintaining stable temperatures is crucial for plant health.
Various heating systems can be integrated with sensors for
efficient climate management:
Electric or Solar-Powered Heaters
 Best suited for: Temperature and sunlight sensors
 Function: Activates when temperature sensors detect a
drop below the optimal range, particularly during periods
of low solar radiation.
 Example: The Bio Green PAL 2.0/USDT Palma
Greenhouse Heater provides precise temperature control
and thermostat compatibility.
Propane or Gas Heaters
 Best suited for: Temperature and humidity sensors
 Function: Ignites when temperature sensors detect cold
conditions, slightly increasing humidity as a byproduct,
which can be regulated by humidity sensors.
Figure 3: Circulation Fan Multifan V-Flo Fan - Fans,  Example: The Mr. Heater MH18B Portable Propane
Recirculation Fans, Greenhouse Fans | Exacon Heater is an efficient, portable heating solution for
various greenhouse sizes.
Misting Fans: Combine air movement with evaporative
cooling, increasing humidity and lowering temperatures, Radiant or Infrared Heaters
particularly in arid climates. Although not always solar-  Best suited for: Temperature, sunlight, and water sensors
powered, integrating misting fans with solar energy enhances
 Function: Directly warms plants and objects rather than
sustainability. Fogco provides misting fan solutions suitable
heating the surrounding air. Sensors regulate activation
for greenhouses.
based on temperature drops or low sunlight. Water
sensors ensure soil moisture is maintained to prevent
excessive drying.
 Example: The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-218 Greenhouse
Workshop Heater offers efficient radiant heating with
adjustable settings for greenhouse applications.
Integrating heaters with appropriate sensors enhances energy
efficiency, ensures responsive climate control, and supports
optimal plant growth in solar greenhouses. [3]
5. Boolean Logic and Decision-Making in Greenhouse and water availability, while controllers process this data to
Automation. make real-time adjustments. Actuators then execute these
Automated greenhouse systems rely on Boolean logic, adjustments, such as opening vents, activating irrigation
Karnaugh maps (K-maps), and truth tables to ensure efficient systems, or regulating water supply, ensuring optimal
and precise environmental control. These tools form the conditions with minimal human intervention.
foundation of decision-making processes, enabling automated Existing studies highlight the effectiveness of automation in
regulation of temperature, humidity, light levels, and water increasing crop yield, reducing resource wastage, and
supply. Boolean logic simplifies complex operational rules improving energy efficiency. However, challenges such as the
into logical expressions (e.g., "IF temperature > X, THEN complexity of integrating various sensors and controllers and
activate cooling system"), which are implemented using logic the need for technical expertise must be addressed to
gates such as AND, OR, and NOT. These gates process sensor maximize the potential of automated greenhouse systems.
data to trigger actions like opening vents or activating Future research should focus on refining these technologies to
irrigation systems based on predefined conditions. enhance accessibility and resilience while maintaining offline
K-maps optimize Boolean expressions by minimizing functionality, ensuring sustainable greenhouse farming even
redundancy, enhancing system efficiency while reducing in resource-limited environments. [8]
energy consumption. Truth tables validate these logical
expressions, ensuring that the system accounts for all possible III.METHODOLOGY
conditions and responds accurately to environmental changes.
[6] As technology continues to transform agriculture,
automation plays a crucial role in optimizing plant growth
Comparators further enhance automation by comparing with minimal human intervention. This study outlines a
sensor data against predefined thresholds and triggering structured approach to designing a logic-based control
appropriate actions. When integrated with Boolean logic and system for a solar greenhouse. By integrating Boolean
K-maps, comparators enable real-time adjustments, reducing logic and LabVIEW simulation, an automated climate
energy consumption and manual intervention. For instance, if control system is developed. The methodology includes
a temperature sensor detects excessive heat, the system uses defining system requirements, constructing a truth table,
Boolean logic to activate cooling mechanisms, ensuring designing a logic circuit, and validating its performance to
optimal growing conditions without human input. achieve a fully functional and efficient system.
The integration of digital logic systems, programmable logic
controllers (PLCs), and microcontroller-based automation has System Requirements
significantly improved greenhouse productivity by The automated greenhouse system monitors and responds
minimizing human error and ensuring consistent crop quality. to four key environmental factors: sunlight, temperature,
While advanced methods such as fuzzy logic and neural humidity, and water availability. These parameters are
networks have been explored for adaptability, the core measured by four binary-output sensors:
decision-making framework of automated greenhouses  Sunlight Sensor: Detects whether sunlight is present.
remains rooted in Boolean logic. These systems function  Temperature Sensor: Determines if the air temperature
independently of internet connectivity, relying on localized is below 20°C.
sensor data for decision-making. Future advancements will  Humidity Sensor: Checks if humidity falls below 40%.
likely refine these logical frameworks to improve scalability,  Water Sensor: Indicates whether the irrigation tank is
affordability, and resilience in response to environmental empty.
fluctuations. [6]
Based on these inputs, the system controls three actuators:
 Heater: Activates when additional warmth is required.
6. Challenges and Future Prospects
 Humidifier: Turns on when humidity is low, provided
Despite advancements in automation, several challenges water is available.
remain in optimizing greenhouse control systems. A primary  Fan: Operates when high temperatures are detected to
concern is ensuring accurate sensor calibration, as ensure proper airflow.
measurement errors can disrupt environmental regulation. The challenge lies in developing a logic-based system that
Additionally, while solar-powered automation provides long- efficiently regulates these devices under varying
term financial benefits, high initial costs present a barrier for environmental conditions.
small-scale farmers. [7]
To address these challenges, researchers are exploring cost- Logical Control System Design
effective automation solutions using microcontrollers such as Boolean algebra is used to translate sensor inputs into
Arduino and Raspberry Pi, making advanced greenhouse logical conditions that govern actuator operation:
technology more accessible. The integration of solar energy,  Heater: Activates when sunlight is absent or when
sensor-based monitoring, and Boolean logic-driven temperature remains low despite sunlight.
automation represents a significant advancement in  Humidifier: Turns on if humidity is below 40% and the
controlled-environment agriculture. Sensors continuously water tank is not empty.
track parameters such as temperature, humidity, light levels,
  Fan: Operates when the temperature exceeds 20°C and 3. Connecting Outputs:
sunlight is present. 3. Visual indicators represent actuator states (heater,
humidifier, fan). Each logic gate is carefully arranged to
These conditions are expressed as Boolean equations: ensure accurate automation, following the Boolean
 Heater: 𝐻𝑡𝑟 = 𝑆′ + 𝑆𝑇 (activates in darkness or cold equations.
conditions). 4.
 Humidifier: 𝐻𝑚𝑑 = 𝐻 ⋅ 𝑊′ (only operates if water is 4. Simulation and Testing:
available). The completed logic circuit undergoes rigorous testing in
 Fan: 𝐹 = 𝑇′ ⋅ 𝑆 (requires both warmth and sunlight). LabVIEW, where sensor inputs are varied to simulate
These expressions form the foundation of the logic circuit, different environmental conditions. The system’s
ensuring structured and reliable automation. responses are compared against the truth table to verify
correctness. If discrepancies arise, logical adjustments are
Truth Table Construction: made to ensure the expected operation. Simulation helps
To validate the Boolean equations, a truth table is created, identify and resolve potential issues before real-world
mapping all possible sensor input combinations (16 in deployment, refining the system through iterative testing to
total) to their corresponding actuator states. This step enhance reliability.
ensures that every environmental scenario is accounted for,
minimizing errors and guaranteeing consistent system 5.Documentation and Finalization:
behaviour. Logic Circuit Implementation in LabVIEW Upon successful simulation, comprehensive documentation is
with the truth table validated, the control system is prepared, detailing
implemented in LabVIEW, a graphical programming  system requirements and Boolean logic derivation,
environment. complete truth table, LabVIEW circuit schematic.
 Observed simulation results and analysis. This
documentation serves as a reference for further system
Table 1: 4 Input Truth Table improvements or adaptations.

Lastly, by following this structured methodology, an
intelligent greenhouse control system is developed,
providing precise climate regulation with minimal human
intervention. This approach demonstrates how automation
and technology can enhance efficiency, sustainability, and
precision in modern agriculture.

The design involves:

1. Defining Inputs: Digital switches simulate sensor values (0
or 1). Figure 8: Modern Day Greenhouse [1]
2. Building the Logic Circuit:
 NOT gates invert signals where needed.
 AND gates define multi-condition operations.
 OR gates combine logical decisions.

Figure 7: 2 Input
Figure 5: 2 Input NOT Figure 6:2 Input
OR Gate
Gate AND Gate
IV.RESULTS  Humidifier: Activates (1) when humidity is below 40%
Table 2 :Truth table for the solar greenhouse system (H = 1) and the irrigation tank is not empty (W = 0). This
prevents excessive drying of the greenhouse air while
optimizing water usage.

Figure 14: K-Map for Humidifier

Figure 9: Logic Gate for
Humidifier

 Fan: Activates (1) when sunlight is present (S = 1), and

the temperature is at least 20°C (T = 0). This function
helps prevent overheating when solar radiation is high.
Each row in the truth table represents a unique combination
of input conditions and their corresponding output states. For
example:
 When S = 0, T = 0, H = 0, W = 0, the heater is turned ON
(Heater = 1), while the humidifier and fan remain OFF
(Humidifier = 0, Fan = 0).
 When S = 1, T = 0, H = 0, W = 0, the fan is activated
Figure 10: keywords for sensors (Fan = 1) to maintain an optimal temperature within the
greenhouse.

Figure 11: Keywords for sensors

Figure 15: Logic Gate for Fan

Figure 16: K-Map for Fan

A. Truth Table and Karnaugh Map for Solar
Greenhouse System
The truth table provides a structured representation of II. all Karnaugh Map Minimization
possible input conditions and their corresponding output The truth table in table 2 serves as the foundation for Boolean
responses for the solar greenhouse control system. This algebra simplification and Karnaugh Map (K-map)
system is designed to regulate temperature and humidity using minimization. By mapping the output values for Heater,
automated controls based on sensor inputs. The system Humidifier, and Fan onto K-maps, simplified Boolean
utilizes four binary input variables: expressions can be derived for logic circuit implementation.
 Sunlight Sensor (S): Determines whether sunlight is These optimizations improve energy efficiency and ensure the
present (1) or absent (0). automatic control mechanisms operate with minimal
 Temperature Sensor (T): Indicates if the temperature is hardware complexity.
below 20°C (1) or at least 20°C (0).
These logical expressions will guide the implementation of
 Humidity Sensor (H): Signals if the humidity level is
digital control circuits for efficient greenhouse management.
below 40% (1) or at least 40% (0).
 Water Sensor (W): Detects whether the irrigation tank
is empty (1) or contains water (0). LabView Simulation
The figure 17 and 18 below indicates the outside and inside
The solar greenhouse system responds to these inputs through
three automated output controls: architecture of the greenhouse simulated on LabView.
 Heater: Activates (1) when there is no sunlight (S = 0),
or when sunlight is present, but the temperature is below
20°C (S = 1, T =1). This ensures adequate heating during
periods of insufficient solar radiation or cold
temperatures.

Figure 13: Logic Gate for Figure 12: K-Map for Heater
Heater
Figure 17: LabView Circuit Inside Architecture
 Beyond this project, the principles of logic-based automation
can be extended to broader agricultural applications,
improving sustainability and scalability. As technology
continues to evolve, refining these methodologies can further
enhance precision farming, enabling more accessible and
resilient agricultural solutions. This study highlights the role
of automation in the future of smart agriculture, paving the
way for more intelligent, energy-efficient, and resource-
conscious farming systems.

VII. REFERENCES
Figure 18: LabView Circuit Outside Architecture

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