Review on Implementation of Sustainable Solar Greenhouse Automation with PLC and SCADA

Abstract

The journey of agricultural technology is rising at high speed with extraordinary results, but somewhere, it needs to remove the lacunas to get it more enhanced. This research study explores the development of an automated Greenhouse Dome, often referred to as a biosphere. So, there is a need for innovative development of protected cultivation that can solve the uncovered problems and limitations, like unpredictable weather, water scarcity, manual errors, and energy dependency, which will support the creation of technological benefits in an increasingly developing and modern era. This study uses the Micro logic Allen-Bradley PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to neutralise the environmental fluctuations produced by the changing climate outside the dome. It has digital inputs and analogue inputs, which will follow the logic of closed-loop control systems, which are more efficient and more reliable than traditional manual farming. Like drones use motors, this system uses sensors, one for each parameter. Each sensor detects changes, pushing data to the controller, creating a feedback loop that enables the greenhouse to become self-regulating. This study discusses the development of the greenhouse with a self-sustaining energy system, which will be enough to provide optimal conditions to the plants that are waiting for growth; hence, the study integrates solar panels to increase the sustainability of the automation. It also considers a house-shaped (Gable Roof) frame structure with polycarbonate material to reduce the wind load on the greenhouse. To keep continuous vigilance on the plant health and the environmental parameters, the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system has been installed in the project.