How Does the Greenhouse Work?

The circuit has several elements:





A microcontroller to read sensors and make adjustments to the environment

Relays to enable/disable power to various devices

Power regulation

Software found on the microcontroller

The three main external devices that are used to make alterations to the environment are a fan, a water pump, and growing lights. These devices use large amounts of current (as compared to what the microcontroller is capable of sourcing) and so they are connected to relays which the microcontroller can interact with.







Several sensors are used to monitor the environment which include a moisture sensor (that detects the amount of water in the soil) and a DHT11 which measures the temperature and humidity.

The microcontroller is also connected to a DS1306 which is a real-time clock. This provides the day/night cycle so the growing plants can be given light at the proper time.



One other device could be connected to the controller, a heat pad, but considering that the climate in my country (England) is temperate, there is no need for one in my case.

