Final Design

Final Design Specifications

Total Size: 38in X 14in X 21.5in

Sensors: DH-22 (Temperature and Humidity), Water PH, Soil Humidity

Chambers: Seeded Mat Feeder, Growing Chamber, Irrigation, Disposal Chamber, Collection Chamber

Type of Microcontroller: Arduino Mega2560

Growth Medium: Seeded Coco Fiber Mats lined with Cotton

Irrigation Type: Hydroponic through Porous Tubes

Motorized Components: Lead Screws for Mat Compression, Sprocket Chain Assembly for Mat Feeding Track, DC Fans, Harvesting Blade, Centrifugal Water Pump, Vacuum Collection for Microgreens

Figure A: MicroTerra Final Specifications

Main Chamber

Prototype

Main Chamber is composed of a polycarbonate and aluminum frame set with controllable LED matrix, a cooling system comprised of 4 fans, climate control via LCD screen, and irrigation system.

Irrigation System

The Porous tubes are controlled by a centrifugal water pump to water the plants through cotton and coco fiber medium.

LCD Screen

The LCD screen is coded to control the climate for the entirety of the growing and harvesting period. The code allows for multiple preset options in case of a change in the type of microgreens planted, while also allowing for a customizable option to change settings on the machine itself.

Seeded Mat Feeder and Disposal Chamber

Seeded Mat Feeder

The seeded mat feeder is the chamber where the seeded mats are held and then fed into the main chamber. The chamber has a set of 4 linear rods, an acrylic base for the mats to rest on, two motors that are connected to two lead screws, and a motorized roller with spikes to assist with feeding the mats through the system.

Disposal Chamber

The disposal chamber has the same dimensions as the seeded mat feeder and has a passive dehumidifying system attached. The mats are fed through the hole in the main chamber to the disposal by the track, where they will sit until the system needs to be replenished.

Vacuum, Collection Chamber, and Harvesting Blade

Harvesting Blade

The harvesting blade is a 12 inch blade that is attached to a motor and moves back and forth uniaxially to cut through the greens. It is automatically turned on when the track is initiated and turns off when the mat is fed all the way through.

Vacuum Attachment

The vacuum attachment is attached to the inside of the main chamber and has a 2 inch diameter that is directly fed to the collection chamber. The vacuum pump is attached to the other side of the co

Collection Chamber

The vacuum pump is attached to the back side of the collection chamber and has a small sliding door that sits in the front. The door is insulated to provide the best possible seal for when the vacuum is turned on.

Microgreens

Yield

Through optimization of the growth environment, and automation of the irrigation system to compliment the needs of the plants, the MicroTerra was able to produce a yield of 10 oz of fully grown broccoli microgreens in 9 days. The system used 5 cups of water and 9.288 kJ of power to produce the 9 day yield.

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