How to automate plant growing conditions in the greenhouse? Customer challenge

Agriculture today faces major challenges. Climate change, increasing sustainability requirements and pressure to increase yields while reducing resource consumption require innovative solutions. Today's greenhouses are no longer just enclosed spaces for growing crops, but advanced production environments where precise monitoring and automation of processes are crucial.

In response to these challenges, our client was looking for a solution that would allow:

• ensure continuous and precise monitoring of key environmental parameters in the greenhouse, such as temperature, humidity and CO₂ levels,

• integrate distributed sensors into a single, cohesive system that allows easy access to data from different zones of the facility,

• simplify the communications infrastructure by using modern data and power transmission technologies (Single Pair Ethernet),

• monitor and optimize water and fertilizer use to reduce costs and environmental impact,

• enable remote access to data and automation of cultivation processes, minimizing the need for manual intervention.

How does the use of SPE simplify the automation of temperature, humidity and CO₂ measurement in greenhouses? Our solution

To provide a complete picture of greenhouse conditions, we implemented a system based on humidity and temperature sensors with a C02 JUMO hydroTRANS module. Communication between the devices is via a  SinglePair Ethernet  interface, which allows simultaneous data transmission and sensor power supply via a single cable.

Completing the system is a JUMO flowTRANS MAG H20 electromagnetic flow meter with SPE interface, which is used to  monitor the flow of fertilizer in the watering system.  All data goes directly to the IIoT[KS2] (Industrial Internet of Things) platform for secure process management in the JUMO Cloud.

The use of JUMO Cloud allows greenhouse operators to useintuitive tools for data visualization and analysis. This makes it possible not only to monitor real-time conditions on an ongoing basis, but also to implement predictive control. For example, irrigationand fertilization schedules can be dynamically adjusted based on the currentstate of the plants and the impact of environmental factors. System integration is supported by Weidmüller's SPE switches, which provide seamless connections between sensors and the cloud.

How does a cloud system help manage fertilization and watering of plants in a greenhouse? Customer benefits

By integrating with JUMO Cloud, greenhouse operators gain instantaccess to measurement data - from anywhere, at any time. The system allows convenient viewing of real-time environmental parameters via a web interface, without the need to install additional software.

Built-in visualization and predictive analysis tools allow the user to anticipate plant needs and dynamically adjust irrigation and fertilization systems. Users can automate watering schedules and control the amount of fertilizer delivered based on current greenhouse microclimate data.

Remote operation of the entire system significantly reducestime-consuming daily supervision, resulting in lower operating costs. At the same time, the reduction in water and fertilizer use promotes the goals of sustainable agriculture - while maintaininghigh yields and crop quality.

What are the benefits of Single Pair Ethernet technology in greenhouse automation?

The use of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology has significantly simplified the communications infrastructure in the greenhouse. It has reduced the number of intermediary devices and cables, and increased the reliability of the entire system. This solution is particularly well suited for extensive and environmentally challenging facilities, such as modern cultivation complexes.

The main advantages of SEN are:

• range of up to 1,000 m using only one pair of copper wires - ideal for large greenhouses,
• PoDL (Power over Data Line) - sensors can be powered and transmit data over a single cable, without the need for separate power cables,
• no need for edge gateways - data goes directly from sensors to the cloud,
• lower installation and maintenance costs - simplified cabling and fewer components requiring service,
• greater resilience toharsh environments - fewer components means less risk of failure in hot and humid greenhouse climates.

With SPE, the entire automation infrastructure becomes more flexible, easier to expand, and better suited to future technology requirements.

About the author

My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been involved in content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I am convinced that even the most technical topics can be presented in an interesting and accessible way for everyone. Outside of work, I express my creativity by creating collages from newspaper clippings. I like to spend my free time actively, walking my dog or running.

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