Final Year Project 2018

BET (HONS) IN INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL ENGINEERING
MOISTURIZING AND MONITORING CONTROL SYSTEM FOR

AGRICULTURAL PLANT IN SIMPLE COOL CLIMATE
AIDIL ASHRAAF BIN A.LUKMAN

57214115152
2018
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR

JULY 2018
MOISTURIZING AND MONITORING CONTROL SYSTEM FOR
AGRICULTURAL PLANT IN SIMPLE COOL CLIMATE
AIDIL ASHRAAF BIN A.LUKMAN

57214115152
Report Submitted to Fulfill the Partial Requirements

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Hons) in Instrumentation
and Control Engineering
Universiti Kuala Lumpur
JULY 2018
DECLARATION
I declare that this report is my original work and all references have been
cited adequately as required by the University.
Date: Signature………………………….
Full Name: AIDIL ASHRAAF BIN
A.LUKMAN
ID Number: 57214115152
ii
APPROVAL PAGE
We have supervised and examined this report and verify that it meets the
program and University’s requirements for Bachelor of Engineering
Technology in Instrumentation and Control Engineering.
Date: Signature:…………………………
Supervisor: ASHRAF ROHANIM
BINTI ASARI
Official Stamp:
Date: Signature:…………………………
Co-Supervisor: SITI HAFSHAR
BINTI SAMSEH
Official Stamp:
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Alhamdulillah, In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, Lord of the
Universe who gave me strength and ease everything in completing my final
year project for the degree student requirement in Universiti Kuala Lumpur
Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology.
Highly appreciation to everyone that has supported me in constructing

the project into a reality. A special gratitude and respect are given to my
beloved supervisor Madam Ashraf Rohanim binti Asari that has provide
guidance, moral support, ideas and justification in pursuing this project. A
special gratitude is also given to my co-supervisor Madam Siti Hafshar binti
Samseh who has provide guidance in realizing this project thesis.
Not to forget my parents who have given their blessing, moral support
and also financial support in constructing this project. Lastly, an appreciation
goes to the technicians, lecturers and friends who have lend a helping hand in
overcome the difficulties and problems arise throughout the course of this
project. Without their help it would be impossible to complete the project
successfully.
iv
CONTENTS
DECLARATION ..............................................................................................ii
APPROVAL PAGE ........................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................iv
LIST OF TABLES ...........................................................................................x
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................xi
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................xiv
LIST OF SYMBOL ........................................................................................xv
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................xvi
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study ...................................................................1
1.2 Problem Statement ............................................................................2
1.3 Objective of the Study ........................................................................3
1.4 Scope of the Study ............................................................................3
1.5 Significance of the Study ...................................................................4
1.6 Organizations of Thesis .....................................................................4
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................6
2.2 Monitoring and Control System of Plants ...........................................6
2.3 Essential Parameter required by Plants.............................................7
2.3.1 Sunlight absorption for the plants .................................................7
2.3.2 Water consumption for the plants.................................................8
v
2.3.3 Surrounding environment for the plants .......................................8
2.4 Microcontroller based to Control and Monitor System .......................9
2.5 Peltier Thermoelectric ......................................................................10
2.6 Technology in Agriculture ................................................................11
2.7 Requirement for a Better Plants Production ....................................12
2.8 Agricultural Industries ......................................................................13
2.9 Internet of Things (IoT) ....................................................................14
3.0 The Growth of Fragria Ananassa (Strawberry Plant) .......................14
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................16
3.2 Research Plan .................................................................................16
3.3 Research Methodology Structure ....................................................18
3.4 Flowchart Process ...........................................................................19
3.5 Hardware Implementation ................................................................23
3.5.1 Arduino Uno Board.....................................................................23
3.5.2 Moisture Sensor (YL-69) ............................................................24
3.5.3 Temperature and Humidity Sensor (DHT22) ..............................25
3.5.4 12 V DC Water Pump Motor ......................................................26
3.5.5 Thermoelectric Module (Peltier) .................................................27
3.5.6 12 V Light Emitting Diode (LED) Light Strip ...............................28
3.5.7 4 Channel 5V Relay Module ......................................................29
3.5.8 Resistor ......................................................................................30
3.5.9 Light Emitting Diode (LED) .........................................................32
3.5.10 24 V 10 A Centralized Power Supply .........................................32
3.5.12 Buck Converter...........................................................................33
vi
3.5.13 9 V 3 A AC to DC Power Supply Adapter ....................................34
3.5.14 Wi-Fi Module (ESP 8266) ............................................................35
3.5.15 12 V DC Brushless Fan..............................................................36
3.5.16 Sodium Chloride (NaCl) .............................................................36
3.6 Software Implementation and Development ....................................37
3.6.1 Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) .................37
3.6.2 Node-RED..................................................................................37
3.6.3 ThingSpeak ................................................................................38
3.7 Prototype Design .............................................................................39
3.7.1 Circuit Diagram ..........................................................................39
3.7.2 Simulation Design ......................................................................42
3.7.3 Input or Output (I/O) Ports Configuration ...................................42
CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction ......................................................................................44
4.2 Testing and Verification ...................................................................44
4.2.1 System Programming.................................................................44
4.2.2 System Monitoring .....................................................................45
4.2.3 Electrical and Instrument Wiring Testing ....................................46
4.2.3 Mechanical Construction ............................................................49
4.3 Result ..............................................................................................51
4.3.1 Surrounding Temperature ..........................................................51
4.3.2 Surrounding Humidity.................................................................53
4.3.3 Soil Moisture ..............................................................................55
4.3.4 System Condition Status ............................................................56
4.3.4 Growth of Strawberry Plant ........................................................58
vii
4.3.5 Plants Effect ...............................................................................59
4.4 Discussion .......................................................................................60
4.4.1 Peltier does not well function .....................................................60
4.4.2 Damage items ............................................................................61
4.4.3 Peltier does not reach desired temperature ...............................61
4.4.4 Plants inherited disease .............................................................61
4.4.5 Coding cannot be uploaded in Arduino UNO .............................62
4.4.6 Leaking on the pipeline ..............................................................62
4.4.7 Wire burns ..................................................................................62
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION
5.1 Introduction ......................................................................................63
5.2 Summary of the Study .....................................................................63
5.3 Future Recommendation .................................................................64
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Full Coding of the Project ..................................................70
APPENDIX B: Node-RED Block Diagram ..................................................72
APPENDIX C: Data Logging for Temperature ..........................................73
APPENDIX D: Data Logging for Humidity .................................................74
APPENDIX E: Data Logging for Soil Moisture ..........................................76
APPENDIX F: Project Plan .........................................................................77
APPENDIX G: Project Prototype ................................................................79
APPENDIX H: DC Brushless Fan ...............................................................80
APPENDIX I: Peltier Thermoelectric Cooling Module ..............................81
viii
APPENDIX J: DHT22 (Temperature and Humidity) Sensor .....................82
APPENDIX K: Arduino UNO .......................................................................83
APPENDIX L: Strawberry Farm Visit .........................................................84
ix
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3-1 Arduino UNO specification .........................................................24
Table 3-2 Moisture Sensor specification ....................................................25
Table 3-3 Temperature and Humidity Sensor (DHT22) specification .........26
Table 3-4 Water Pump specification ..........................................................27
Table 3-5 Thermoelectric Module (Peltier) specification ............................28
Table 3-6 12 V LED Light Strip specifications ............................................29
Table 3-7 4 Channel 5 V Relay Module specifications ...............................30
Table 3-8 Light Emitting Diode (LED) specifications ..................................32
Table 3-9 24 V 10 A Centralized Power Supply specifications ..................33
Table 3-10 Buck Converter specification .....................................................34
Table 3-11 9 V 3 A AC to DC Power Supply Adapter specifications ............35
Table 3-12 Wi-Fi Module (ESP 8266) specifications ....................................35
Table 3-13 Ports configuration .....................................................................43
Table 4-1 Condition status of peltier ..........................................................57
Table 4-2 Condition status of water pump .................................................57
Table 4-3 Condition status of artificial light ................................................57
Table 4-4 Timeline of strawberry growth ....................................................58
Table 4-5 Effect on plants when its requirement does not follow ...............59
x
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 BOH Tea Plantation in Cameron Highland .................................3
Figure 2-1 Arduino Logo (Arduino, 2018)...................................................10
Figure 2-2 Technology development in agriculture (Agrodaily, 2015) ....... 11
Figure 2-3 Example of fertilizer used in plants (SGS, 2018) ......................13
Figure 2-4 Major component of IoT (Rajiv, 2018) ......................................14
Figure 2-5 Fragria Ananassa (Strawberry Plant) .......................................15
Figure 3-1 Flowchart of the activity ............................................................17
Figure 3-2 Basic structure of plant monitoring system ...............................18
Figure 3-3 Flowchart of the monitoring and control system for agricultural
plants for the whole process: (a) Artificial light, (b) Surrounding temperature
and (c) Soil moisture .................................................................................... 22
Figure 3-4 Arduino Uno board ...................................................................23
Figure 3-5 Moisture Sensor (YL-69) Module ..............................................25
Figure 3-6 Temperature and Humidity Sensor (DHT22) ............................26
Figure 3-7 12 V DC Water Pump ...............................................................27
Figure 3-8 Thermoelectric Module (Peltier)................................................28
Figure 3-9 12 V LED Light Strip .................................................................29
Figure 3-10 Relay Module...........................................................................30
Figure 3-11 Resistor colour code ................................................................31
Figure 3-12 Resistors..................................................................................31
Figure 3-13 Light Emitting Diode (LED) ......................................................32
Figure 3-14 24 V 10 A Centralized Power Supply .......................................33
xi
Figure 3-15 Buck Converter ........................................................................34
Figure 3-16 9 V 3 A AC to DC Power Supply Adapter ................................34
Figure 3-17 Wi-Fi Module (ESP 8266) ........................................................35
Figure 3-18 12 V DC Brushless Fan ...........................................................36
Figure 3-19 Arduino IDE window ................................................................37
Figure 3-20 Node-RED window ..................................................................38
Figure 3-21 ThingSpeak window browser ...................................................38
Figure 3-22 Soil moisture circuit diagram....................................................39
Figure 3-23 Temperature control circuit diagram ........................................40
Figure 3-24 Artificial light circuit diagram ....................................................41
Figure 3-25 Wi-Fi module (ESP 8266) circuit diagram ................................41
Figure 3-26 Simulation design ....................................................................42
Figure 4-1 Coding successfully uploaded .................................................45
Figure 4-2 ESP 8266 successfully connected ...........................................45
Figure 4-3 Node-RED dashboard .............................................................46
Figure 4-4 Control Panel ...........................................................................46
Figure 4-5 Thermoelectric Module (Peltier)...............................................47
Figure 4-6 12 V DC Water Pump ..............................................................47
Figure 4-7 12 V DC Fan ............................................................................48
Figure 4-8 Moisture Sensor ......................................................................48
Figure 4-9 DHT22 Sensor .........................................................................49
Figure 4-10 Artificial Light ...........................................................................49
Figure 4-11 Overview of the project prototype a) Outside view and (b)
Inside view ................................................................................................... 50
Figure 4-12 Strawberry plant ......................................................................51
Figure 4-13 Graph of temperature vs time (a) Peltier is OFF (b) Peltier is
ON and (c) Peltier is OFF ............................................................................ 52
xii
Figure 4-14 Graph of humidity vs time (a) First condition, (b) Second
condition, (c) Third condition and (d) Fourth condition ................................. 54
Figure 4-15 Graph of moisture vs time (a) Pump is ON, (b) Pump is OFF
and (c) Pump is OFF.................................................................................... 56
xiii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AC Alternating Current
CPU Central Process Unit
DC Direct Current
FYP Final Year Project
I/O Input or Output
ICT Information and Communication Technology
IDE Integrated Development Environment
IoT Internet of Things
LED Light Emitting Diode
MITEC Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology
NaCl Sodium Chloride
PWM Pulse Width Modulation
UNIKL Universiti Kuala Lumpur
Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
xiv
LIST OF SYMBOL
V Voltage
A Ampere
mA Milliampere
MHz Megahertz
KB Kilobytes
Ω Ohm
W Watts
°C Degree Celcius
g Gram
mm Millimeter
s Seconds
h Hours
L/min Liter per Minute
Nm Nanometer
Sq.ft Square Feet
Hz Hertz
RPM Revolution per Minute
xv
ABSTRACT
This study discusses on the implementation of a system in controlling and

monitoring the essential requirement of an agricultural plant in a simple cool
climate. Nowadays, the demand of agricultural activities increases rapidly
especially in Malaysia where its major economy is in agricultural sector.
However due to multiple works and too busy with other matter, the cultivation
of plants have make it impossible to monitor it all the time. The purpose of the
study is to develop a system that can monitor and control the plants essential
needs. Parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity and sunlight
must be adequately supplied as too much or too little may affect the plants life.
The prototype to test the functionality of the system have been constructed
using Arduino that interphase with the sensors that produces a feedback
control system. This study focusses on the cultivation of plants that grows in a
simple cool climate. Plants that are cultivated in Cameron Highland are
example of a simple cool climate plants. The method used to implement the
system is smart control system where the sensors act as a feedback control
that will send data to the microcontroller and execute its command to the
output. This system also involves a cooling device that will control and
maintained the temperature to be equal with the temperature in a simple cool
climate area. This system managed to maintain the temperature as required
and are able to cultivate the plants until it produced fruits that are fully ripped.
With the aid of this system the plants are able to be monitored and controlled
its requirement without having the user to monitor at all time. Besides plants
that grow in simple cool climate area are able to be cultivate anywhere in the
world. This system will also help the country’s whose economy are mainly
agricultural activities and enlarge the cultivation area that are limited due to
unsuitable climate and whether condition.
xvi
ABSTRAK
Kajian ini membincangkan pelaksanaan sistem dalam mengawal dan

mengawasi keperluan penting bagi tanaman pertanian dalam iklim sejuk
sederhana. Pada masa kini, desakan terhadap aktiviti pertanian meningkat
dengan pesat terutamanya di Malaysia di mana ekonomi utamanya adalah
sektor pertanian. Walau bagaimanapun, pelbagai kerja dan terlalu sibuk
dengan perkara lain menyebabkan penanaman tanaman mustahil untuk
dipantau sepanjang. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk membangunkan sistem yang
boleh memantau dan mengawal keperluan tumbuhan. Parameter seperti
kelembapan tanah, suhu, kelembapan dan cahaya matahari mestilah
dibekalkan secukupnya kerana terlalu banyak atau terlalu sedikit boleh
menjejaskan kehidupan tumbuhan. Prototaip untuk menguji fungsi sistem
telah dibina menggunakan Arduino yang berinteraksi dengan sensor untuk
menghasilkan sistem kawalan maklum balas. Kajian ini menumpukan pada
penanaman tanaman yang tumbuh dalam iklim sejuk sederhana. Tumbuhan
yang ditanam di Cameron Highland adalah contoh-contoh tumbuhan iklim
sederhana. Kaedah yang digunakan untuk melaksanakan sistem adalah
sistem kawalan pintar di mana sensor bertindak sebagai kawalan maklum
balas yang akan menghantar data kepada mikrokontroler dan memberikan
arahannya kepada output. Sistem ini juga melibatkan peranti penyejuk yang
mengawal dan mengekalkan suhu supaya sama suhunya di kawasan iklim
sederhana sejuk. Sistem ini berjaya mengekalkan suhu seperti yang
diperlukan dan dapat menanam tanaman sehingga menghasilkan buah.
Dengan bantuan sistem ini, tumbuh-tumbuhan dapat dipantau dan dikawal
dengan mudah tanpa pemantauan pengguna setiap masa. Tambahan pula
tumbuh-tumbuhan yang tumbuh di kawasan iklim sejuk sederhana dapat
ditanam di mana-mana sahaja di dunia. Sistem ini juga akan membantu
negara yang ekonomi utamanya adalah aktiviti pertanian dan meluaskan
kawasan penanaman yang terhad disebabkan iklim atau cuaca yang tidak
sesuai.
xvii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The concern of agriculture among nowadays society has become a demand

in food production. Moreover, agriculture has becomes a major contribution to
the economy and make it as the backbone of the economic system that
provides food and raw material as well as employment opportunities to a very
large percentage of country population.
In this era of modern globalization, agricultural activities have become

an issue. Such issues related to how it is controlled and monitored.
Furthermore, unstable environment result of drastic climate changes causes
farm or estate in a brink of destruction. In accordance to such issues appeal,
several of advance technology have been developed to improve and minimize
the issues and problems related to agricultural behavior.
On the other hand, locations of agricultural activities also influence the

growth of plants. This includes the cultivations of plants that requires a specific
climate. Without a proper and right climate the plants may die and only a
certain places possessed such climate for example Cameron Highlands that
involves cultivation of strawberries farm, maize crop etc. These are example
of the plants that are planted in Cameron Highland.
Limited locations that possessed such climate makes the agricultural

activities impossible. This causes the production of food as well as raw material
are limited and hard to be obtained. Besides inconsistent monitoring and
controlling of plants requirements such as water and sunlight may also
influenced the growth of the plants. This may cause the plants not to be fully
fertile and fruits produced by the plants will not fresh.
1
In this research study, a system involving Arduino as a microcontroller
has been developed to fulfill the requirement in order to control and monitor
the plants in any ways possible. The system also enables monitoring and
controlling process of the plant to be executed in anyplace even if the climate
does not suitable for the plants. The prototype was successfully construct and
test to ensure the system functions. With the aid of this system, plants can be
monitored and controlled even when people are not around and also when the
climate of the locations cultivated does not meet the plants requirements.
1.2 Problem Statement
Nowadays, people are often busy with multiple works that they possess until
they do not have the time to monitor their plants growth. Inconsistent
monitoring of plant can often be a problem as this will alter the plant growth
process. If the growth process is altered the plant might not grow and produce
the best quality of food or fruit as expected. Lowest quality of food production
may affect country’s economy status as this can be a major issue.
Besides, some plants required different climate for its growth. This also
can be a major problem as certain plants grows at certain area in a certain
climate. For example, the strawberries that are planted at high ground in
Cameron Highland cannot be planted at the lower ground as this will cause
the strawberries to die. This proves that the plant mentioned required a specific
temperature in order for it to stay alive.
Other than that, parameter such as moisture value of soil are the
parameter that cannot be observed with human naked eye. In order to obtain
the value of this parameter a special instrument are used. Most plants are very
sensitive towards the soil moisture. Too much or too little of the soil moisture
may result towards the plants health as it may inhabit certain effects or
diseases. The moisture value of soil is essential as it will affect the breathing
mechanism and food production of the plant.
2
1.3 Objective of the Study
The main objectives of the Moisturizing and Monitoring Control System for
Agricultural Plant are stated as below:
i. To develop a system that can monitor and control the plants

moisture, ambient temperature and other essential parameter.
ii. To construct a prototype in testing the functionality of the system.
iii. To produce a closed-loop control system using Arduino interphase
with sensors and feedback control.
1.4 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study is mainly focusing on agricultural activities. The

cultivation of the plants are focused to only one climate as the system are able
to modulate on a specific climate to conform with its required temperature for
its growth process. The system is monitored and controlled based on soil
moisture, surrounding temperature and other essential parameter required by
the plants.
Cameron Highland is one of the famous area that undergoes farming

and cultivation of plants and crops in a simple cool climate. For example BOH
Tea Plantation that located in Cameron Highland as illustrate in Figure 1.1
acquired a temperature approximately between 18°C and 25°C which is on the
border between a tropical rainforest and a subtropical highland climate.
Figure 1.1 BOH Tea Plantation in Cameron Highland

3
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is important to develop a new technology to help farmers or workers

in the agricultural industries for the cultivation of plants in simple cool climate.
This systems will become a useful tool to help the farmers in higher ground
cultivation for instance Cameron Highland to monitor and control their farm or
crops for a better and healthy plant. Other benefits from the system is that
farmers can freely be at anyplace without having to worry about their farm or
crops instead just let the system do its job for a plants that required low
temperature at a lower ground.
1.6 Organizations of Thesis
This section will further discusses regarding the chapters of the thesis that are
involved in constructing this research thesis. This thesis consists of five
chapters namely chapter one that comprise the introduction of the thesis,
chapter two that states the literature review for the studies, chapter three that
present the methodology apply in the study, chapter four that deduces the
result and chapter five that conforms the conclusion of the study.
As for the first chapter which is the introduction part of the thesis
comprises of six subtopic which is background of the study, problem
statement, objective of the study and scope of the study. This chapter generally
describes regarding everything that are related to the study that have been
carried out. Problems arise as well as the purpose regarding the study are also
mentioned in this chapter to comprehend more towards the knowledge of the
study.
As for the second chapter namely literature review is the part where all
of the statement regarding the previous researchers that are related to the
study is discussed. The knowledge obtain with respect to the research that
have been made are used in performing the studies to ensure a successful
result. Several statements based on several authors in several of journal have
been cite in this section to understand more regarding the study.
4
Move on to the third chapter namely methodology is where all of the
methods, process flow, hardware implementation that includes the list of
component used for the study as well as the software implementation are
stated. Methodology also comprises all of the steps that are taken in making
the study a reality. The methods as well as the components used for the study
will be constructed according to the literature review that have been studied.
After the hardware and software components have been fully

constructed for the study, the system’s functionality will be tested and recorded
in chapter four which is the results and discussions. In this chapter, the result
of the study obtained will be stated and discussed if it meets the requirement
and objectives of the study. Not only that, anything related to the result for
instance the problem encounter in obtaining the result will be further discussed
in this section.
Lastly, it would be chapter five where all of the studies are concluded.
The obtained result conclude the study if its success or beyond. If it is not fully
successful, a future recommendation will be proposed for a better result of the
study to whoever is conducting the study in the future. Besides, chapter five is
also the part to present the objective and purposes of the study whether they
have been met or not.
5
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This chapter will further discuss regarding the literature review of the past
researchers that have conducted the similar research area. The purpose of
this chapter is to provide more knowledge and information regarding the study
conducted. Several researchers from several articles as well as journal papers
have been collected and cited in this chapter. The articles and papers are
obtained in different sources such as IEEE, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, etc.
Based on the literature review that have been studied, several ideas,
knowledge and information are obtained in conducting the project in both
theoretical and practical ways.
2.2 Monitoring and Control System of Plants
It is possible to design a system to overcome the problem that involves plants.

With an appropriate coding, the system can functions according to desired
output. Such system have been implemented in order to ease the workers in
having much simpler work. The basic structure of this system involves the use
of moisture sensor, water pump and a microcontroller. As mentioned by
Nermin & Dalibor (2017), the system functions with the aid of the soil moisture
sensor that measures the level of soil moisture which then interface with the
water pump to provide water for the plants when necessary.
When the sensor detects lower level of soil moisture it is then

communicate with the microcontroller to trigger the pump to on. Thus,
providing a sufficient amount of water for the plant. When the sensor detects
high level of soil moisture it will then trigger the microcontroller to turn off the
pump. This is the basic structure of the system for controlling and monitoring
the plants requirement towards water consumption.
6
Akalya and Hameed (2015) mentioned that this monitoring and control
plant system works by measuring temperature, moisture content of the soil as
well as sunlight requirement of the field. Such parameters are essential to the
growth of plants as this may can only be monitor and control by the system
without having the farmer to frequently monitors the plants. This system also
enable farmers to perform agricultural activities in an efficient way and also
save cost. Besides, such system is also environment friendly as the system
does not involved in any of the environmental pollution.
2.3 Essential Parameter required by Plants
The basic requirements for plants to survive are water, air and sunlight. The
requirement of these things are very essential as plants used sunlight and
water to create their own food to survive. Norazizan et al. (2005) stated that
plants required water for its growth. Moreover there are other factors that need
to be considered in order to obtain much healthier plant. As mentioned by
Sadasivam et al. (2015), temperature, humidity, light and the level of carbon
dioxide plays an important roles in ensuring the quality and productivity of
plants growth. Not having to provide adequate amount of the plants
requirement will only result in a stunted growth of plants.
2.3.1 Sunlight absorption for the plants
Sunlight is one of the most important factors in plants growth. Plants

absorb sunlight through their cells with the present of chlorophyll to
undergo the process called photosynthesis that will converts light
energy into chemical energy to create its own food (Moffat, 2015).
Plants required sunlight because sunlight provides an electromagnetic
radiation that is required for the process of photosynthesis. Besides,
sunlight also provides the light spectrum that is essential for the plants
growth. Not only that, sunlight also provides an infrared and UV rays
that also plays an important role in plants growth (Monica, 2017). That
is why nowadays, an artificial light for plants growth is invented with
adequate amount of light spectrum.
7
2.3.2 Water consumption for the plants
Water is another factor that is essential in plants growth. Similar to

humans, plants also require water for it to survive. However the quantity
of water also affects the growth of plants as too much water may cause
the plants to receives limited of oxygen and too little of water will result
in dehydration that causes the leaves of the plants to turn brown and
wilt. Iersel, et al. (2018) also states that not only quantity of water that
matters but the quality of the water absorbed by the plants must also be
considered. The soil moisture must be at 65% above and must not fall
below 50% (Vegetables Growers News, 2011).
2.3.3 Surrounding environment for the plants
The surrounding environment of the plants must be considered as this

also complies with the factors for a better plants growth. This involves
the air required by the plants to breath and also the appropriate climate
required by the plants to live. For the air, plants require carbon dioxide
to survive as this carbon dioxide will be converted into oxygen for
human respiration process. The surrounding environment also must not
in extreme temperature as this may result in dehydration of the plants.
Moving on to the climate, different climate can inhibit different

plants as temperature may affect the plants growth (Hatfield & Prueger,
2015). The temperature requirements and response have been
classified into three namely temperate, tropical and sub-tropical as
stated below. If plants does not obeys its required temperature it may
not be able to survive the climate as different plants required different
temperature requirement.
i. Temperate. Temperate climate is a region that can be obtained

in cold area. This climate is suitable for the plants that inhibit cold
weather between -3°C and 18°C. These plants also undergo rest
or dormancy where during winter the plants will shed its leaves.
Example of plants that are suitable for this climate is apple,
strawberry, plums, etc.
8
ii. Tropical. These is the climate for plants that cannot withstand
cold weather but can withstand warm weather at a temperature
between 18°C and 37°C. These plants required a strong
sunshine, warm as well as humidity in order for it to survive and
grow in healthy manner. Example of plants for this climate are
banana, papaya, rambutan, etc.
iii. Sub-Tropical. This is the climate that inhibit a plant for an
intermediate weather in between 45°C to 50°C during cold
month. However, during summer, the average may reach
between 70°C to 80°C. Plants such as orange, mango and
cashew nuts require humidity and warmth and cannot withstand
mild winters. These plants receives a direct sunlight for a large
part of the year.
2.4 Microcontroller based to Control and Monitor System
Most of the system nowadays uses microcontroller as a platform to control and

monitor their system in any area of expertise. Example of microcontroller is
Arduino which executes its programmed using C++ language that is written in
Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Murad et al. (2017)
mentioned that Arduino IDE is a software developed a program for the
microcontroller to communicate with multiple sensors and other hardware. The
coding that have been created in Arduino IDE will be uploaded to the
microcontroller and execute the programmed coding.
Besides, simple microcontroller is often used due to its simplicity and

small in size. Fazackerley et al. (2015) says that data collection devices are
often a simple microcontrollers and with very limited memory and Central
Process Unit (CPU) resources. Besides simple filtering can also be done with
a simple microcontroller and local storage will be able to store which can highly
improve the device performance as well as energy usage despite network
bandwidth usage can also be reduced. Microcontroller is easy to use that make
it is the chosen platform for controlling and monitoring purpose. Figure 2.1
illustrates the logo for the Arduino device.
9
The Arduino UNO is one of the most famous and frequently used
microcontroller despite its most simple design and lower in price have make it
become a demand in the market of microcontroller. The Arduino UNO
microcontroller comprise of 14 digital input or output (I/O) ports six analog
inputs, a USB connection, a power jack and parts that is required to support
the microcontroller (Martinos, 2018). Hani (2017) also conclude that the use of
Arduino can obtain a better result and accurate measurements.
Figure 2.1 Arduino Logo (Arduino, 2018)
2.5 Peltier Thermoelectric
As mentioned, plants can be categorized into several of climate in order for

them to survive. In Malaysia, many of the agricultural industries use the
concept of greenhouse to cultivate plants. Greenhouse have the ability to
provide the plants a sufficient venting or heating to produce carbon dioxide and
the appropriate surrounding for the plants (Gupta et al., 2016). Besides,
greenhouse are also used to contain the plants from outside plague.
Ambient temperature can be set to a specific temperature with the

implementation of peltier to ensure the temperature is in between 15°C and
20°C. As mentioned by Belovski et al., (2017) peltier modules are absolutely
silent, environmentally friendly and have a high reliability. It is very suitable to
use peltier in this project. Even noise vibration may affect the plants growth.
Besides the usage of this peltier device is easy as the temperature value is
controlled by the current from the Arduino microcontroller (Coşgun & Demirel,
2015).
10
2.6 Technology in Agriculture
In this modern era, various technologies have been developed to help the
farmer in handling crops and any agricultural activities. One of the technology
that has been widely used is the irrigation system. Irrigation system is a system
that uses timer to water the crops or plants in an interval of time. This system
involves timer and a pump that have been programmed to have a relationship
in watering the crops. Kamelia et al. (2018) concludes that irrigation system
will result in the efficiency of energy, time and water used to consume the
plants.
Not only that, there is also an implementation of Information and

Communication Technology (ICT) in agricultural. Chaulagain et al. (2013)
states that ICT based agricultural which also refer to as E-Agriculture is a field
that is emerging focusing on the enhancement of agricultural and rural
development through improve information and communication process. This
shows that ICT have been implemented and evolving in the agricultural
industries as shown in Figure 2.2. Moreover Internet of Things (IoT) have also
become a demand for the communication purposes that have been widely
developed worldwide.
Figure 2.2 Technology development in agriculture (Agrodaily, 2015)
11
Another technology that is evolving in the agricultural industries is
biotechnology that involves the breeding techniques and genetic replication of
the plants to produce faster and quality production especially plants that
produce fruits. Agricultural biotechnology is one of the new implementation that
is used to utilize the newest result in scientific result regarding the research of
agricultural practice. However this task is quite difficult to pose a scientific
evidence based risk assessment (Székács, 2016).
Several of technologies in agricultural area have been developed to

ease the farmers in handling the crops and harvest in a more efficient way.
Han et al., (2017) says that “with the rapid development of nanotechnology,
biotechnology and photoelectric technology, it has been widely used in the field
of agricultural sensor because of its characteristics of small size, high
precision, strong sensitivity and good tolerance.”
2.7 Requirement for a Better Plants Production
As mentioned before, climate is one of the factors that plays an important role
in plants production. This statement can be strengthen more by Scharfy et al.
(2017) which concludes that in terms of climate and energy consumption,
agricultural is one of the most significant sector. Different climate provides
different plants growth process. For instance, the temperature in Cameron
Highland is usually between 16°C to 27°C at an average humidity of 87%
(World Wheather and Climate Information, 2016). This is the optimum
temperature for the strawberry to live. If the temperature is not within the range
the plant may not live or may not produce any fruits.
Fertilizers are important for the plants growth as it provides the nutrition
and mineral required for the plants. Mineral nutrition are essential for the plants
as it stimulates physiological as well as biological process of the plants (Ahmad
et al., 2009). Fertilizers for plants exist in many forms. Organic fertilizer is one
of the fertilizer that is widely used despite for its natural production and less
cost. Figure 2.3 shows one of the example of fertilizers that is used in plants
growth. Some crops used fertilizer in the form of a liquid that is mixed with the
water that will be used to water the plants.
12
Figure 2.3 Example of fertilizer used in plants (SGS, 2018)
Some of the farmers used seaweed for plants growth. The seaweed
acts as the garden beds. Some uses seaweed as a foliar spray to deter insects.
The seaweed is likely to be used in plants growth is due to its lightweight. Not
only that seaweed also possessed all the trace elements and hormones
required by the plants as mentioned by Jayasinghe et al. (2016).
Plants requires at least six hours of direct sunlight in order for it to

survive (Alessio, 2018). The plants actually captures light spectrum that
determines a specific requirement for the plants. As stated by Dutta Gupta
(2017), there is a specialized photoreceptors that present on the leaf that
functions in capturing the photons and with the aid of photosynthesis, chemical
energy can converted from the sun’s radiant energy.
2.8 Agricultural Industries
Agricultural activities or practice is essential in Malaysia as it is Malaysia main

economy. It is also important as a source of food to the community. Source of
food are mainly derived from agricultural activities. As stated by Ibrahim (2015)
the temperature in Malaysia is approximately 27°C with the humidity between
60% to 70% which is favorable for the plants growth in Malaysia. Humidity can
be maintained by adding a specific level of salt in an incubator (Goffau et al.,
2009). For instance a saturated solution of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) are able to
produce a humidity of 75.2%.
13
2.9 Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT is refered to as a network with physical devices such as vehicles, home

appliances and other items that are embedded with electronics, software,
sensors, actuators and connectivity which enables this things to exchange
data and connect. As mentioned by Zaslavsky & Jayaraman (2015), the term
“Internet of Things” is described as technologies and research discipline that
enables the internet to expand into the real world of physical devices or
objects. In the industrial sectors IoT plays important role as it provide a platform
for monitoring and controlling physical devices such as sensor, actuators, etc
remotely. The parameters of some measurement that is monitored by the
sensors can be observed through the internet anywhere around the world
(Atzori et al., 2010). Figure 2.4 illustrates the major component of IoT.
Figure 2.4 Major component of IoT (Rajiv, 2018)
3.0 The Growth of Fragria Ananassa (Strawberry Plant)
The Fragria Ananassa as presented in Figure 2.5 is a widely grown hybrid

species which is known as strawberry. In Malaysia, such a plant can be obtain
in a higher land that possessed a temperature at a range of 16°C to 27°C for
example Cameron Highland. Not only that, such temperature is also suitable
for the cultivation of other types of vegetables, fruits and flowers for example
tomato cherry, cabbage, lavender etc.
14
However strawberry is said to be the most sensitive plant ever planted
in Cameron Highland as mentioned by one of the workers in YZ Agro Farm.
This is due to its needs that requires adequate amount of sunlight, soil moisture
and also temperature. Too much or too little may affect the plants life.
Moreover the demand of water increase during the fruit setting and fruit sizing
stage. It is crucial that the soil must be at an ideal soil moisture to produce a
higher yield and fruit quality (Ibrahim, 2015).
Figure 2.5 Fragria Ananassa (Strawberry Plant)
15
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter describes the methods and techniques used to collect the data
and generate the findings reported. This is the essential part of the study as it
provides the information and knowledge regarding the project that involves in
this study. This includes the item used in conducting the project as well as the
prototype design in accordance to the methods that will be further discussed.
3.2 Research Plan
In a way of developing the project, a several research regarding the project

and its improvement have been further researched. The information have been
collected and cited in the literature review section. Several journal papers and
articles from different sources and authors that are related to the concept of
the project are gathered. The main purpose of this research is to fully
understand, knowledgeable and familiarize the items involve in this study
before proceed to construct the project prototype.
In performing the project, the task is carried out into two parts namely
Final Year Project 1 (FYP 1) and Final Year Project 2 (FYP 2). The task
required to uphold in the first part is mainly information gathering. However the
purchasing of the components required as well as the implementation of the
project are also done in this part. As for the second part of the process, project
troubleshooting will be executed in this part. The result and data collection of
the project are also done in the second part. Not only that, this is also the part
where the thesis will be concluded and finished as this will be the last part in
pursuing the study. Figure 3.1 presents the flow chart of the process activity in
performing the project and the classification of the task done in both FYP 1
and FYP 2.
16
Start
Information Gathering
Literature Review
FYP 1
Thesis Writing
Project Implementation
Testing and
Troubleshooting
FYP 2
Documentation
End
Figure 3.1 Flowchart of the activity
Table 3.1 presents the Gantt chart regarding the duration timeline of
specific activity or progress in conducting the project within 17 weeks for both
FYP 1 and FYP 2. The activity are indicated specifically with respect to the
activity is carried out. The total duration to carry out this project is 34 weeks
whereby the weeks have been divided into two that contribute 17 weeks for
FYP 1 and FYP 2.
17
3.3 Research Methodology Structure
The method that is implemented for this project is smart control system. This
system involved the use of sensors as the feedback controller or input,
microcontroller to process the input received and actuator that acts as the
output execute based on the input as illustrated in Figure 3.2. The sensors
involved in this system is moisturize sensor as well as temperature and
humidity sensor (DHT22). As for the microcontroller, Arduino UNO act as a
platform to communicate between input and output. Water pump motor and
thermoelectric peltier is the output.
In this system, DHT22 sensor will sense the surrounding temperature.

If the temperature exceeds the expected temperature, the microcontroller will
triggered to turn on the peltier module. Once the temperature drops according
to the expected value the microcontroller will then triggered the peltier module
to be turned off. However, similar process executed by the moisture of plants
soil. If the moisture sensor does not detect the presence of water in the soil,
the microcontroller will triggered the pump to be turned on and turned off
whenever the sensor detects the presence of water.
Control and Microcontroller Agricultural

monitor plants
Feedback control
(sensors)
Figure 3.2 Basic structure of plant monitoring system
18
3.4 Flowchart Process
Figure 3.3 illustrates the flowchart of the monitoring and control system of the
plants. The system will monitored three essential things that benefits the
plants. The light, ambient temperature as well as water consumption required
by the plants. The parameter stated is measured and monitored using sensors
namely moisture sensor to measure the soil moisture as well as DHT22 sensor
to measure both temperature and humidity.
Before the system execute, the system shall initialize its I/O ports that
includes sensors and actuators that are connected to the microcontroller. The
system will run in a closed loop as it has the presence of feedback control
which is the sensor that will monitor according to the set point that have been
set.
If the present value is altered from the set point value then it will trigger
the output to ensure the value returns to the set point value. The system works
according to the coding that has been programmed. The coding is construct
and upload using Arduino IDE. The value measured will be monitored through
IoT that will be further explained in the implementation section.
For the light, whenever eight hour interval time is completed, the
microcontroller will trigger the light to turn on. When another eight hour interval
is completed the microcontroller will trigger the light to turn off.
For the temperature when DHT22 detects an increase of temperature

more than 26°C the microcontroller will then trigger the peltier to turn on. When
DHT22 detects temperature drops less than 16°C the microcontroller will then
trigger the peltier to turn off.
For the moisture when the moisture sensor detects low moisture level
the microcontroller will trigger the pump to turn on. When the moisture sensor
detects high level of moisture the microcontroller will trigger the pump to turn
off. The low level for the moisture is below 65% and the high level will be at
100%.
19
(a)
20
(b)
21
(c)
Figure 3.3 Flowchart of the monitoring and control system for agricultural
plants for the whole process (a) Artificial light, (b) Surrounding temperature
and (c) Soil moisture
22
3.5 Hardware Implementation
The hardware implementation of the project involves the components as well

as material used to construct the project. Components such as sensors,
microcontroller and output motor is further discussed in this section. Sensors
are essential component as it act as a feedback control for the system to
monitor the parameters of the plants. The microcontroller will act as the brain
to give command to the output to execute a specific task.
3.5.1 Arduino Uno Board
Arduino Uno is the microcontroller used in this project as illustrate in

Figure 3.4 to perform the task based on the coding created to
interphase with the input as well as the output in maintaining the
parameter that have been set to achieved. The data acquire or received
can be either in digital or analog. The input data acquire by the sensors
sends data to the Arduino UNO and processed the data to execute a
specific function by the output.
In order to execute a program, the program coding must be

upload to the Arduino UNO board through a software call Arduino IDE
by connecting the Arduino UNO board to a USB port. Table 3.1
described the specifications details regarding Arduino UNO board.
Figure 3.4 Arduino Uno board
23
Table 3.1: Arduino UNO specification
Description Specification
Model Arduino UNO
Operating Voltage 5V
Recommended Input Voltage 7 – 12 V
Limit Input Voltage 6 – 20 V
Digital Input / Output Pins 14 (where 6 provide PWM output)
Analog Input Pins 6
DC Current of 3.3 V Pin 50 mA
DC Current per Input / Output 40 mA

Pins
SRAM 2 KB
EEPROM 1 KB
Clock Speed 16 Mhz
Flash Memory 32 KB (0.5 KB used by

bootloader)
Weight 25 g
Length 68.66 mm
Width 53.44 mm
3.5.2 Moisture Sensor (YL-69)
The used of this sensor is to detect the moisture of soil plant. With the
aid of this sensor the moisture of the plant can be monitored and easily
interphase with the Arduino. When the sensor detects the presence of
water the sensor will send a signal to communicate with the Arduino.
Figure 3.5 presents the moisture sensor module. Table 3.2 will describe
the specification detail of the moisture sensor (YL-69).
24
Figure 3.5 Moisture sensor (YL-69) module
Table 3.2: Moisture Sensor specification
Model YL - 69
Input Voltage 3.3 V – 5 V
Output Signal Digital / Analog
Sensitivity Adjustable potentiometer
Other features  Power surge resistant

 Shock resistant
3.5.3 Temperature and Humidity Sensor (DHT22)
The DHT22 sensor as illustrates in Figure 3.6 is a sensor that functions

to detect both temperature and humidity of the surrounding area. With
the proper coding the temperature and humidity of the plants
surrounding area is monitored by connecting to the digital input of the
microcontroller. Table 3.3 will described the temperature and humidity
sensor (DHT22) specification detail.
25
Figure 3.6 Temperature and humidity sensor (DHT22)
Table 3.3: Temperature and Humidity Sensor (DHT22) specification
Model DHT22
Power Supply 3.3 – 6 V DC
Output Signal Digital signal via single bus
Sensing element Polymer capacitor
Operating range Humidity: 0% – 100% RH
Temperature: -40°C ~ 80°C
Sensing period 2s
3.5.4 12 V DC Water Pump Motor
The water pump as shown in Figure 3.7 functions to suck in water from
the reservoir and distribute the water to the soil whenever the moisture
sensor detects no presence of water in the soil. The command is
execute based on the microcontroller that process the data receive from
the moisture sensor. The specifications regarding this device is further
discuss in Table 3.4.
26
Figure 3.7 Water pump
Table 3.4: Water Pump specification
Specification Description
Working voltage DC 12 V
Working current 0.5 A – 1.2 A
Lifespan 2500 Hours
Flow 1.2 L/min
Water Temperature Up to 80°C
3.5.5 Thermoelectric Module (Peltier)
The thermoelectric module is a couple of peltier that have been

embedded with a heat sink. The peltier has two sides. One sides will
generate heat and the other side will generate cold. The heat sink
functions to extract the heat as well as the cold out of the peltier and
transfer it into the surrounding. Figure 3.8 presents the thermoelectric
module (peltier). Table 3.5 describes the specification of the
thermoelectric module (peltier).
27
Figure 3.8 Thermoelectric module (Peltier)
Table 3.5: Thermoelectric Module (Peltier) specification
Voltage 12 V DC
Current 10 A
Power 120 W
Minimum temperature -12°C depends on the size of

space
Peltier model TEC1-12706
Weight 977 g
3.5.6 12 V Light Emitting Diode (LED) Light Strip
The LED light strip as illustrated in Figure 3.9 acts as the artificial light
(sunlight) for the plants growth process. The artificial light is connected
to the relay for it to be controlled on and off by the microcontroller. The
artificial light is equipped with the required spectrum for the plants
growth which is the red light that will stimulate the plants flowering and
seed production as well as the blue light that will stimulate stem and leaf
growth. The specification regarding artificial light is shown in Table 3.6.
28
Figure 3.9 12 V LED Light Strip
Table 3.6: 12 V LED Light Strip specifications
Input voltage AC 85 - 265 V
Power 26 W
Led colour 190 red chips and 70 blue chips
Working temperature Below 60°C
Wavelength  Red light: 630 nm – 660 nm

 Blue light: 430 nm – 460 nm
Lighting time 10 ~ 12 hours
Lighting area 10 ~ 20 sq.ft
3.5.7 4 Channel 5 V Relay Module
The relay module as presented in Figure 3.10 functions as a switch to

interact between a higher voltages devices with a lower voltage of
microcontroller. The relay are able to interphase within 250 volt of
electrical appliances which in this case the relay is used as a switch to
control the peltier, pump and the artificial light. The specification for the
4 channel 5 V relay module is describe in Table 3.7.
29
Figure 3.10 Relay module
Table 3.7: 4 Channel 5 V Relay Module specifications
Maximum output DC 30 V/10 A, AC 250 V/10 A
Maximum input DC 5 V
3.5.8 Resistor
The use of the resistor is to regulate the amount of current flow as well
as to limit the voltage value for the components. Resistor came in
different value of resistance. The value of the resistance can be
identified as shown in Figure 3.11. In order to obtain the right resistance
value, a calculation is made by implementing the use of ohm’s law.
Ohm’s law is denoted by the equation 3.1.
𝑉𝑠 − 𝑉𝑑 = 𝐼𝑡 𝑅 (3.1)
Where Vs, Vd, It, R represents the voltage supply by the power source,
the voltage drop in a circuit, total current passing through the circuit,
resistance value, respectively.
30
Figure 3.11 Resistor colour code (Digikey, 2018)
The resistor function is to limit the current that is passing through

the LED to avoid the wire from dissipating excess heat that can lead
towards wire burn. Not only that, resistor also function to control excess
voltage from supplying that may damage the components. Figure 3.12
illustrates the example of resistor used.
Figure 3.12 Resistors
31
3.5.9 Light Emitting Diode (LED)
The LED functions as an indicator to indicate the on and off of the

components. The green LED indicate that the components is in on
mode. The red LED indicate that the components in off mode whereby
the blue LED indicate whether the whole system is running or not.
Figure 3.13 illustrates example of LED used. Table 3.8 explains
regarding the detail of light emitting diode (LED).
Figure 3.13 Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Table 3.8 Light Emitting Diode (LED) specifications
Forward voltage  Min: 1.8 V – 3.0 V

 Max: 2.2 V – 3.4 V
Forward current 20 mA
3.5.10 24 V 10 A Centralized Power Supply
A device functions to convert AC power supply to DC power supply with

a voltage of 24 V that dissipated a current of 10 A as shown in Figure
3.14. The power supply is used to power up the pump, peltier and
artificial light. Table 3.10 described the specifications for this device.
32
Figure 3.14 24 V 10 A Centralized Power Supply
Table 3.9: 24V 10A Centralized Power Supply specifications
Input Voltage 110 V – 240 V AC
Output Voltage 24 V DC
Rated Current 10 A
Rated Power 240 W
Size 199 mm X 109 mm X 50 mm
Other features Overload protection, over

voltage protection and short
circuit protection
3.5.12 Buck Converter
The buck converter as illustrated in Figure 3.15 functions to convert

existence voltage and current to a desired voltage and current. The
purpose of using this buck converter is to convert a voltage from the 24
V DC power supply to 12 V DC to supply voltage for water pump motor.
The buck converter can also varies its voltage and current output
according to desired value. Table 3.10 described the specifications of
the buck converter.
33
Figure 3.15 Buck Converter
Table 3.10: Buck Converter specification
Input voltage 7 V – 32 V DC
Output voltage 0.8 V – 28 V (adjustable)
Output current 0.2 A – 12 A (adjustable)
3.5.13 9 V 3 A AC to DC Power Supply Adapter
A 12 V 3 A AC to DC Power Supply Adapter as shown in Figure 3.16 is

used to convert a 220 V AC to 12 V DC. The 12 V DC is used to give
supply to Arduino UNO board. Table 3.11 below explains the
specification of the 12 V 3 A AC to DC Power Supply Adapter.
Figure 3.16 9 V 3 A AC to DC Power Supply Adapter
34
Table 3.11: 9 V 3 A AC to DC Power Supply Adapter specifications
Input Voltage AC 100 – 240 V 50/60 Hz
Output DC Voltage DC 12 V 3 A
Output header 5.5*2.5 mm
3.5.14 Wi-Fi Module (ESP 8266)
The device is used to connect the Arduino UNO board to the Wi-Fi and
thus having connection with the internet to allow monitoring of data to
be done worldwide. Figure 3.17 illustrates the Wi-Fi module (ESP
8266). Table 3.12 will described the specifications of the Wi-Fi module
(ESP 8266).
Figure 3.17 Wi-Fi Module (ESP 8266)
Table 3.12: Wi-Fi Module (ESP 8266) specifications
Voltage 3.3 V
Current ~300 mA
Supported mode AP, STA, AP+STA
35
3.5.15 12 V DC Brushless Fan
The function of this fan is to provide air circulation in the sealed

container used to contain these plants. Two fan will be used in this
project. The first fan will be the fan to provide air from the outside and
the second fan is to expel the air inside the container. Figure 3.18
illustrate the fan used. The description regarding the components is
tabulate in Table 3.13.
Figure 3.18 12V DC Brushless Fan
Table 3.13: 12V DC Fan description
Voltage 12 V
Current 0.12 A
Fan Speed 2500 RPM
Airflow 45 CFM
3.5.16 Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) is a table salt that is used to control the

humidity. NaCl is able to maintain the humidity at approximately 60% to
70% at a temperature of 20°C. A 500 ml of NaCl is used to maintain the
humidity of the plants.
36
3.6 Software Implementation and Development
3.6.1 Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
Arduino IDE is a software that is used to program or create the code

and execute the coding that have been created and thus upload it into
Arduino microcontroller. All of the programming coding for the system
is written in the Arduino IDE and thus upload to the microcontroller.
Figure 3.19 illustrates the Arduino IDE window. The full coding use to
program the system is attached at Appendix A.
Figure 3.19 Arduino IDE window
3.6.2 Node-RED
Node-RE is an open source programming tool for wiring together

hardware devices, API’s and online services in new and interesting
ways. It provides a browser-based editor that makes it easy to write
together flows using the wide range of nodes in the palette that can be
deployed to its runtime in a single-click. Figure 3.20 demonstrate the
Node-RED block diagram created to design its dashboard for
monitoring process and communicate with the Arduino with the aid of
ESP 8266. The block diagram are attached at Appendix B.
37
Figure 3.20 Node-RED windows
3.6.3 ThingSpeak
In order to execute the Node-RED dashboard, a server must be used

to store the data transmit by the ESP 8266. Node-RED does not have
an own server as it must be borrowed by other cloud server. In this case
ThingSpeak will be the cloud server used. The data will be stored in
ThingSpeak and the data is send to Node-RED to be displayed. The
graph of the parameter or data to be monitored can also be obtained in
ThingSpeak as shown in Figure 3.21.
Figure 3.21 ThingSpeak window browser

38
3.7 Prototype Design
This part of the study is discussed regarding on the project design in

constructing the prototype. This includes its wiring circuit and the ports that are
connected to the Arduino UNO microcontroller to interface both inputs and
output as well as the feedback controller in this case the sensor.
3.7.1 Circuit Diagram
The circuit diagram is constructed using Fritzing software. Fritzing is

one of the most used software to draw and design of electronics
hardware before having a prototype hardware ready to be tested and
assembled in a more permanent circuit.
i. Soil Moisture
Figure 3.22 illustrates the circuit diagram to monitor and control
the soil moisture of the plant. The input is the moisture sensor
which connected to the analog input pin of the microcontroller
while the output is the pump that connects to the digital pin of the
microcontroller with a relay. The buck converter is used to
convert 24 V power supply to 12 V as the pump only require 12
V for it to functions
Figure 3.22 Soil moisture circuit diagram

39
ii. Surrounding Temperature
When DHT22 sensor is connected in digital pin 7. The sensor

obtained data and send it to the microcontroller in digital form.
The peltier is then connected to the digital pin 2 with a relay that
act as an on and off switch for the peltier module. For this project,
two peltier module is used and connected in series so that both
of the peltier module will share its voltage from the 24V power
supply to achieve the same voltage which is 12V. Figure 3.23
prersents the circuit diagram for the surrounding temperature
control.
Figure 3.23 Temperature control circuit diagram
iii. Light
The connection for the artificial light is connected as shown in
figure 3.24. The artificial light used in this project is a LED light
strip that consist of two colours which blue and red. The LED strip
requires 12V in order to light up. The power supply is supply up
to 24 V. In this case, a buck converter is used to power up the
LED strip.
40
Figure 3.24 Artificial light circuit diagram
iv. Wi-Fi Module (ESP 8266)

Figure 3.25 illustrate the connection of the ESP 8266 with the
Arduino UNO. The connection must be properly connected in
order to transmit and receive data. The TX (transmit) pin will be
connected on port 10 while the RX (receive) pin will be
connected on port 11.
Figure 3.25 Wi-Fi module (ESP 8266) circuit diagram
41
3.7.2 Simulation Design
The simulation design is realized using the Proteus software. This is to

ensure that the system or wiring circuit functions before proceed to the
real physical hardware interface and connection. With the aid of Proteus
software, it is able to design and test the functionality of the circuit. The
simulation of the system is present in Figure 3.26.
Figure 3.26 Simulation design
3.7.3 Input or Output (I/O) Ports Configuration

The components are wired or connected according to a specific I/O port
for both input and output in the microcontroller to enable the Arduino to
program the components based on the I/O ports connected. The I/O
ports that is connected will be declared in the microcontroller coding so
that the microcontroller are able to communicate with the required
components. The ports configurations for each components is extract
and tabulate in Table 3.13.
42
The I/O ports is divided in two parts namely analog and digital.
The analog is mainly used for the input to obtain the data logging. In
this case the data logging that will be obtain from the input sensor which
is moisture sensor to observe the moisture level of the soil and the
temperature sensor (DHT 22) to monitor the temperature of the
surrounding.
Table 3.14: Ports Configuration
Ports
Components
Digital Analog
Green LED (Artificial Light) 0 -
Red LED (Artificial Light) 1 -
Green LED (Peltier) 2 -
Red LED (Peltier) 3 -
Green LED (Water Pump) 4 -
Red LED (Water Pump) 5 -
Artificial Light 0 -
Peltier 2 -
Water Pump 4 -
Moisture Sensor - 0
DHT22 Sensor 7 -
ESP8266 (RX) 10 -
ESP8266(TX) 11 -
43
CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction
This chapter analyzes and interprets the result as well as data analysis that is
gained after completing the project. This chapter is also discussed regarding
the result whether it meet the target or objective of the project. The problem
encounter along with its solution is also discussed in this chapter. Before the
result is taken the prototype is tested and this part will be further discussed in
the testing and verification section.
4.2 Testing and Verification
This section discusses regarding the testing and verification of the project in
detailed. It involves the programming, the functionality of the components in
the project as well as the mechanical construction of the project. Before result
is taken the prototype must be tested its functionality to ensure that the system
and all of the components work well to obtain accurate result.
4.2.1 System Programming
As mentioned before, there are two software is used to program the

system namely Arduino IDE and Node-RED. The Arduino UNO will be
connected with the Wi-Fi module (ESP 8266) to allow the Arduino to
communicate with Node-RED via the internet. Figure 4.1 illustrates that
the coding of the system manage to upload to the Arduino
microcontroller. The functionality of the system is then checked by
opening the serial monitor. The system successfully run and the
Arduino is successfully connected to the internet as shown in Figure
4.2.
44
Figure 4.1 Coding successfully uploaded
Figure 4.2 ESP 8266 successfully connected
4.2.2 System Monitoring
As for the monitoring, the parameter of the plants includes the soil
moisture, temperature, humidity as well as the light condition is
monitored using Node-RED. The connection of the Arduino is realized
with the aid of ESP 8266 Wi-Fi Module. The data is stored in
ThingSpeak and display through Node-RED dashboard as shown in
Figure 4.3.
45
Figure 4.3 Node-RED dashboard
4.2.3 Electrical and Instrument Wiring Testing
Testing of the functionality of the components is discussed in this

section. This involves the control panel of the prototype and other
electrical and electronic components.
i. Control Panel
Control panel design include the power supply, relay, Arduino
UNO board, buck converter and all the wiring connection for all the
components of the project as illustrated in Figure 4.4. The
connection is successfully operational upon testing the
functionality of each components.
Figure 4.4 Control Panel

46
ii. Thermoelectric Module (Peltier) Testing
Thermoelectric Module (Peltier) testing shows that the peltier are
functioning well as illustrated in Figure 4.5.
Figure 4.5 Thermoelectric Module (Peltier)
iii. Water Pump Testing

Water pump testing shows that the pump is functioning well as
illustrated in Figure 4.6
Figure 4.6 12V DC Water Pump
iv. DC Fan Testing

DC fan testing shows that the fan are functioning well as illustrated
in Figure 4.7.
47
Figure 4.7 12V DC Fan
v. Moisture Sensor Testing

Moisture sensor testing shows that the moisture sensor is
functioning well as presented in Figure 4.8.
Figure 4.8 Moisture Sensor
vi. DHT 22 Sensor Testing

DHT22 sensor testing shows that DHT22 sensor is function well
and are able to obtain appropriate data as illustrated in Figure 4.9.
48
Figure 4.9 DHT22 Sensor
vii. Artificial Light Testing

Artificial light testing shows that the artificial light is functioning well
as illustrated in Figure 4.10
Figure 4.10 Artificial Light
4.2.3 Mechanical Construction
Figure 4.11 illustrates the mechanical construction of the prototype

along with the label of the components that have been installed in the
system to monitor and control the parameter required by the plants in
order for it to survive. The prototype functionality is tested using a
strawberry plant as presented in Figure 4.12 and observe its survival.
The growth is then recorded further.
49
Peltier Control Panel
Water Tank
Water Pump
(a)
Water host
DHT 22
Peltier
Air Circulation Fan
Artificial light
(b)
Figure 4.11 Overview of the prototype a) Outside view and (b) Inside
view
50
Figure 4.12 Strawberry plant
4.3 Result
The data collected from the sensors that have been installed in the prototype
are recorded and discussed in this part of the chapter. The data that have been
collected involved the humidity, temperature and moisture of the plants are
recorded in a form of graph.
4.3.1 Surrounding Temperature
Figure 4.13 shows the graph of Temperature (°C) vs Time (h) of the
DHT22 sensor for both conditions of peltier: ON and OFF. The data is
attached at Appendix C.
(a)
51
(b)
(c)
Figure 4.13 Graph of temperature vs time (a) Peltier is OFF (b) Peltier
is ON and (c) Peltier is OFF
Figure 4.13 (a) illustrates the surrounding temperature when the

peltier is OFF at approximately 25°C. When the peltier is switched ON,
the temperature drops until it reaches 16°C and trigger the peltier to turn
OFF as presented in Figure 4.13 (b). The temperature slowly rise until
it reaches approximately at 23°C and triggered the peltier to turned ON
causing the temperature to drop as shown in Figure 4.13 (c). This cycle
continues to ensure the temperature stays between 23°C and 16°C.
52
4.3.2 Surrounding Humidity
Figure 4.14 illustrates the graph of Humidity (%) vs Time (h) of the
DHT22 sensor for four condition. First condition is the humidity at initial
state which is room temperature. Second condition where the peltier is
ON. Third condition is where the Peltier is ON and the strawberry plant
is present. The last condition is that there is a present of salt and plant
as well as the peltier is turned ON. The data is attached at Appendix D.
(a)
(b)
53
(c)
(d)
Figure 4.14 Graph of humidity vs time (a) First condition, (b) Second
condition, (c) Third condition and (d) Fourth condition
From Figure 4.14 (a), it can be observed that the humidity

remains constant at 60%. This shows that room temperature is at 65%
of humidity. When the peltier is ON, the humidity decreases and remain
constant at an average of 58% as illustrate in Figure 4.14 (b). When a
strawberry plant is placed the humidity increase slightly at an average
of 60% as presented in Figure 4.14 (c).
54
This is because plants undergoes transpiration and release
water vapour and reuse the air for its breathing. When NaCl is placed,
the temperature increase and maintain at an average of 75% as
presented in Figure 4.14 (d). This proves that NaCl able to maintain the
humidity at 75% with a temperature between 16°C and 27°C.
4.3.3 Soil Moisture
The graph of soil Moisture vs Time is as shown in Figure 4.15 of the

moisture sensor for both conditions of water pump: ON and OFF.
(a)
(b)
55
(c)
Figure 4.15 Graph of moisture vs time (a) Pump is ON, (b) Pump is
OFF and (c) Pump is OFF
Figure 4.15 (a) presents the graph of moisture at the initial state
at an average of 53% moisture when the water pump is OFF. This
triggered the pump to turn ON. When the water pump is ON, the
moisture rise up to an average of 65% as shown in Figure 4.15 (b) and
trigger the pump OFF. The moisture is then slowly decreased as the
day pass until it reaches 55% and trigger the pump to turn ON as
illustrate in Figure 4.15 (c). The data log for the graph is attached and
can be referred in Appendix E.
4.3.4 System Condition Status
This part of the chapter discusses about the status of a specific

condition of the system for temperature, humidity, moisture and also
light. The system is tested and the status for the condition stated is
recorded.
56
i. Peltier
Table 4.1 demonstrate the condition status of the peltier according
to its current surrounding temperature
Table 4.1: Condition status of peltier
Status
Temperature
> 27°C
Between 16°C and 27°C
<16°C
ii. Water Pump

Table 4.2 presents the condition status of the water pump according
to its current condition of the soil moisture of the strawberry plant.
Table 4.2: Condition status of water pump
Status
Soil moisture
< 55%
Between 65% and 55%
> 65%
iii. Artificial Light

Table 4.3 illustrates the condition status of the artificial light
according to the time interval that have been assigned.
Table 4.3: Condition status of artificial light
Status
Time
8 hours interval
8 hours interval
57
4.3.4 Growth of Strawberry Plant
Table 4.4 illustrates the timeline of strawberry growth from the first week
to the sixth week.
Table 4.4: Timeline of strawberry growth
Week Growth of strawberry Description
1 The plant has begun to

produce flower buds.
2 The flower buds have

started to bloom with a
white petal
3 The center of the flower

becomes the fruit bud and
the flower petal started to
fall.
4 The fruit buds are getting

very plump and the fruit
colour started to change
from greenish to red.
58
5 The strawberry are almost
ripped. The strawberry
almost turned fully red.
6 Ready to be harvest as the

fruit have turned fully red.
4.3.5 Plants Effect
Table 4.5 presents the effect of the plants if its requirement does not
abide. The plant may inherited disease or die due to insufficient amount
of its needs.
Table 4.5: Effect on plants when its requirement does not follow
Plants Effect Description
 Plants died due to drought

 Lack of water
 Temperature too high
59
 Root rot disease
 Leaves changes colour to
yellowish brown
 Too much of water that cause
the root to rot due to inhabit of
fungus
 Too much of sunlight
 Leaf and stem wilt

 Temperature is too low
 No air circulation
4.4 Discussion
The problem encounter in pursuing the project along with its solution are
discussed in this part of the chapter. Not only that, this part of the chapter
discussed any additional information or knowledge regarding the project for
any further implementation of this system.
4.4.1 Peltier does not well function
Both of the peltier are connected in series. However only one peltier is
fully operational while the other peltier remains off. After doing some
troubleshooting, it is found that the connector used to connect wire have
melted and cause the wire to embedded in the melting connector
causing it to lose connection with the wire thus altering from it to have
any electrical connection. When performing a connection be sure to use
a proper yet high quality wires or connectors.
60
4.4.2 Damage items
Each components, sensors and device have been manufactured in

certain industries and comply to have a datasheet. Before making any
connection or wiring, it is to ensure that the datasheet is refer. This is to
avoid any misinformation when making the connection. Higher voltage
supply than the required voltage may cause the item to blow and thus
damage the items. Not only that, lower voltage than the minimum
required voltage may cause the device not to work. This may also
comply not with only voltage but also other aspect of the device
specifications includes its current rating, power rating, temperature,
lifespan and so on.
4.4.3 Peltier does not reach desired temperature
When the peltier is ON, the temperature manage to drop. However, the
temperature unable to drop below than 23°C. This is due to the size of
the incubator which is too big. More peltier are required to cool down
the incubator with such a size. More peltier are not able to be installed
due to money constraint and a higher cost of the peltier. As a solution,
ice packs have been put in the incubator and the temperature manage
to drop less than 23°C.
4.4.4 Plants inherited disease
Strawberry plants inherited several of disease. When consult with some

of the botanist in Genting Highland, it is found that the plants that are
attacked by disease are mostly cause by the requirement of plants that
does not meet. In order for the plant to survive the right quantity of
water, sunlight, temperature and humidity must be considered. Too
much or too little may result in disease and also may cause the plants
to wilt and die.
61
4.4.5 Coding cannot be uploaded in Arduino UNO
The coding that have been created cannot be uploaded to the

microcontroller. After some troubleshooting, it is found that the
connection of the Arduino are not properly connected. The wire is then
reconnect and checked a few times before having the coding to be
uploaded. It is also ensure that the coding are checked because the
coding cannot be uploaded even if there is one missing letter or symbol.
4.4.6 Leaking on the pipeline
After troubleshooting, it is found that there is a leakage on the valve of

the water tank. The solution is to apply some pipe glue. The water tank
is then filled with water to test its effectiveness whether the pipe is
leaking or not.
4.4.7 Wire burns
When the peltier is ON, the wire used to connect the peltier and the
power supply melts and burns out. When troubleshoot, it is found that
the wire used is not suitable. The current flow through the wire are 10 A
and the wire used is not capable of such current flow. The solution is to
use a wire with the standards conform to the current used. Be sure to
use a wire that is suitable for such amount of current because a higher
current produce a higher dissipation of energy.
62
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION
5.1 Introduction
This chapter discusses the findings and implications of this project. The
summary regarding the result of the data analysis to support the conclusion of
the study are also discussed here. Reasonable explanation in line with the
limitation of the study is stated in this section. The limitations are explained
and some recommendations are proposed in order to extend this project in a
bigger scope.
5.2 Summary of the Study
This study is about monitoring and control system for agricultural plant which
covers the scope for a simple cool climate plants. The project regarding this
system have been successfully realized and the objectives are successfully
achieved. The main purpose of this project is to monitor the important aspects
of parameter that are essential for the plants growth include its water
absorption, climate, humidity and sunlight.
These are the most important aspects that are essential for the plants
to stay alive. Too much of these requirements may result of sickness or
disease that may affect the plants growth while too little of these requirements
may result the plants life. That is why the requirement for these plants must be
adequate to ensure the survival of the plants.
However there are some issues that arise throughout the project. One
of the issues is that the peltier installed does not reach the desired temperature
which is 16°C. This is because the incubator used have a bigger space and
does not have enough peltier to cool down the incubator of such size.
Moreover the strawberry plants are easily inherited by a disease if the
requirement does not fully met or not adequately supply.
63
5.3 Future Recommendation
In making this project more successful in the future, there are some future
recommendations that can be applied for further improvement of the project.
Firstly, it is recommended to add more peltier. A higher number of peltier
module will not only speed up the temperature drop but also increase the
efficiency of the cooling effect. Second, use a microcontroller that are more
accurate and precise in monitoring and controlling the parameter. This is to
ensure the data transmit and receive are correctly processed to avoid any
insufficient of the plants requirements or inhabit any disease due to excessive
amount of its needs.
This project can also provide a great impact if more resource and
financial support are given as it can provide higher efficiency in terms of its
safety and functionality. Not only that, this system enables user to interact in
monitoring the parameter of the plants anywhere around the world.
64
REFERENCES
Agrodaily. (2015, March 25). Big data and the growth of precision agriculture.
Retrieved from http://agrodaily.com/2015/03/25/big-data-and-the-growth-of-
precision-agriculture/
Ahmad, W., Niaz, A., Kanwal, S., Khalid Rasheed, M., Rahmatullah, &
Rasheed, M. . (2009). Role of boron in plant growth: A review. Journal
Agricultural Research, 47(3), 329–338.
Alessio, F. (2010, September 17). How Much Sun Do Strawberry Plants Need?
Retrieved from https://www.hunker.com/12369306/how-much-sun-do-
strawberry-plants-need
Atzori, L., Iera, A., Atzori, L., Iera, A., & Morabito, G. (2010). The Internet of
Things : A Survey The Internet of Things : A survey, (June 2016).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comnet.2010.05.010
Belovski, I., Aleksandrov, A., & Teodosios, K. D. (2017). STUDY OF

OPERATION OF PELTIER MODULES, (November).
Coşgun, A. E., & Demirel, H. (2015). On-off controller design for a portable
refrigerator. Intelligent Technologies in Logistics and Mechatronics Systems,
ITELMS 2015 - Proceedings of the 10th International Conference, (May 2015).
65
Dutta Gupta, S. (2017). Light emitting diodes for agriculture: Smart lighting.
Light Emitting Diodes for Agriculture: Smart Lighting, (October), 1–334.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5807-3
Economywatch. (2010) Agriculture Industry. Retrieved from

https://www.economywatch.com/agriculture
Fazackerley, S., Huang, E., Douglas, G., Kudlac, R., & Lawrence, R. (2015).
Key-value store implementations for Arduino microcontrollers. Canadian
Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2015–June(June), 158–
164. https://doi.org/10.1109/CCECE.2015.7129178
Norazizan, Akmal & A E Muzni, M & L H Ramsaid, M & Z Ismail, M & A D

Mazalan, M. (2016). DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE IRRIGATION
SYSTEM FOR PLANTING. 10.13140/RG.2.1.4902.2325.
Goffau, M. C, Yang, X., Dijl, J. M., & Hamsen, H. J. (2009). Bacterial

pleomorphism and competition in a relative humidity gradient. Environmental
Microbiology, 11(4), 809-822. doi:10.1111/j.1462-2920.2008.01802.x
Gupta, A., Kumawat, S., & Garg, S. (2016). Microcontroller Based Automatic
Plant Watering System Mritunjay, 5(4), 1123–1127.
Hameed, Sahul. (2015). C.Akalya, F.Sahul Hameed Micro controller based

Automatic Plant Irrigation System Using Wired Sensors and GSM Module
,International Journal of Science and Innovative Engineering & Technology
(IJSIET).. International Journal of Science and Innovative Engineering &
Technology (IJSIET).. 1. 244.
66
Han, S., Zhang, J., Zhu, M., Wu, J., Shen, C., & Kong, F. (2017). Analysis of
the frontier technology of agricultural IoT and its predication research. IOP
Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 231(1).
https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/231/1/012072
Hani, E. B. (2017). Data Acquisition for Wind Turbine Design and Analysis
using Arduino. Advances in Robotics & Automation, 06(03).
https://doi.org/10.4172/2168-9695.1000180
Hatfield, J. L., & Prueger, J. H. (2015). Temperature extremes: Effect on plant

growth and development. Weather and Climate Extremes, 10, 4–10.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wace.2015.08.001
Ibrahim, A. B. U. B. (2015). Automated Temperature and Humidity Control

System for Strawberry Plantation Using Solar Panel, 14–19.
Iersel, M. V., Burnett, S., & Kim, J. (2010, March 12). How much water do your
plants really need? Retrieved from
http://www.greenhousemag.com/article/gmpro-0310-water-plants-
automating-irrigation/
Jayasinghe, P. ., Pahlawattaarachchi, V., & Ranaweera, K. K. D. . (2016).

Effect of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer on Plant Growth of Capsicum annum.
Discovery , 52(244), 723–734. Retrieved from
http://discoveryjournals.com/discovery/current_issue/v52/n244/A1.pdf
Kamelia, L., Ramdhani, M. A., Faroqi, A., & Rifadiapriyana, V. (2018).

Implementation of Automation System for Humidity Monitoring and Irrigation
System. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 288(1).
https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/288/1/012092
67
Khadka, Abhishek & Chaulagain, Sibjan & Jha, Avinash & Dangol, Sailendra
& Raj Joshi, Deepak. (2014). Information communication technology for
agriculture.. 10.13140/RG.2.2.27173.09449.
Martinos, J & Martinos, Themis. (2018). Digital Thermometer Using Arduino

and MCP9808 Digital Temperature Sensor. 10.13140/RG.2.2.21101.49125.
Moffat, N. (2015, November 01). Are Your Plants Getting Enough Light?
Retrieved from https://www.maximumyield.com/are-your-plants-getting-
enough-light/2/1231
Monica A. Hughes & M. Alison Dunn (2013). The Effect of Temperature on

Plant Growth and Development, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Reviews, 8:1, 161-188, DOI: 10.1080/02648725.1990.10647868
Murad, S. A. Z., Harun, A., Mohyar, S. N., Sapawi, R., & Ten, S. Y. (2017).
Design of aquaponics water monitoring system using Arduino microcontroller.
AIP Conference Proceedings, 1885(February 2018).
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5002442
Nermin, Đ., & Dalibor, Đ. (2017). Automatic Plant Watering System via Soil
Moisture Sensing by means of Suitable Electronics and its Applications for
Anthropological and Medical Purposes, 41(August), 1–4.
Rajiv. (2018, January 10). What are the major components of Internet of
Things. Retrieved from https://www.rfpage.com/what-are-the-major-
components-of-internet-of-things/
68
Sadasivam, S., Vadhri, V. & Ramesh, S. (2015). Smart Plant Monitoring
System, (September 2016), 0–11.
https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.2915.6563/1
Scharfy, D., Boccali, N., & Stucki, M. (2017). Clean technologies in agriculture-
How to prioritise measures? Sustainability (Switzerland), 9(8), 1–22.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su9081303
SGS. (n.d.). Fertilizers. Retrieved from https://www.sgs.my/en/agriculture-

food/fertilizers
Székács, A. (2016). New technologies in agricultural biotechnology, 2(2), 54–

56. https://doi.org/10.19040/ecocycles.v2i2.65
Vegetables Growers News. (2011, June 16). Too much water can be bad for
strawberries. Retrieved from https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/article/too-
much-water-can-be-bad-for-strawberries/
“World Weather & Climate Information.” Climate and Average Monthly

Weather in: Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, weather-and-
climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,Cameron-
Highlands,Malaysia.
Zaslavsky, A., & Jayaraman, P. P. (2015). Discovery in the Internet of Things.

Ubiquity, 2015(October), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1145/2822529
69
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Full Coding of the Project
70
71
APPENDIX B: Node-RED Block Diagram
72
APPENDIX C: Data Logging for Temperature
73
APPENDIX D: Data Logging for Humidity
74
75
APPENDIX E: Data Logging for Soil Moisture
76
APPENDIX F: Project Plan
A. Final Year Project 1
Week
Activity
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Collecting Information
Title Defend Session
Assign Supervisor
Discussion with supervisor
Submission Project Registration Form
Submitting Chapter 1 (draft)
Hardware Implementation
Correction of paper
Report Submission
FYP1 Presentation
77
B. Final Year Project 2
Week
Activity
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Hardware Implementation
Thesis Writing Chapter 1, 2 and 3
Submission of Chapter 1, 2 and 3
Correction Chapter 1, 2 and 3
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Thesis Writing Chapter 4
Thesis Writing Chapter 5
Draft submission of chapter 4 and 5
Correction of chapter 4 and 5
Report submission to presentation panel
Presentation preparation
FYP2 Presentation
Correction of paper
Hardcover report submission
78
APPENDIX G: Project Prototype
79
APPENDIX H: DC Brushless Fan
80
APPENDIX I: Peltier Thermoelectric Cooling Module
81
APPENDIX J: DHT22 (Temperature and Humidity) Sensor
82
APPENDIX K: Arduino UNO
83
APPENDIX L: Strawberry Farm Visit
YZ Agro Farm, Cameron Highland
84
Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm, Genting Highland
85

Final Year Project 2018

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Final Year Project 2018

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

BET (HONS) IN INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL ENGINEERING

MOISTURIZING AND MONITORING CONTROL SYSTEM FOR

AIDIL ASHRAAF BIN A.LUKMAN

UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR

AIDIL ASHRAAF BIN A.LUKMAN

Report Submitted to Fulfill the Partial Requirements

Highly appreciation to everyone that has supported me in constructing

APPROVAL PAGE ........................................................................................iii

LIST OF TABLES ...........................................................................................x

LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................xi

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................xiv

LIST OF SYMBOL ........................................................................................xv

1.1 Background of the Study ...................................................................1

1.2 Problem Statement ............................................................................2

1.3 Objective of the Study ........................................................................3

1.4 Scope of the Study ............................................................................3

1.5 Significance of the Study ...................................................................4

1.6 Organizations of Thesis .....................................................................4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................6

2.2 Monitoring and Control System of Plants ...........................................6

2.3 Essential Parameter required by Plants.............................................7

2.3.1 Sunlight absorption for the plants .................................................7

2.3.2 Water consumption for the plants.................................................8

2.4 Microcontroller based to Control and Monitor System .......................9

2.5 Peltier Thermoelectric ......................................................................10

2.6 Technology in Agriculture ................................................................11

2.7 Requirement for a Better Plants Production ....................................12

2.8 Agricultural Industries ......................................................................13

2.9 Internet of Things (IoT) ....................................................................14

3.0 The Growth of Fragria Ananassa (Strawberry Plant) .......................14

3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................16

3.2 Research Plan .................................................................................16

3.3 Research Methodology Structure ....................................................18

3.4 Flowchart Process ...........................................................................19

3.5 Hardware Implementation ................................................................23

3.5.1 Arduino Uno Board.....................................................................23

3.5.2 Moisture Sensor (YL-69) ............................................................24

3.5.3 Temperature and Humidity Sensor (DHT22) ..............................25

3.5.4 12 V DC Water Pump Motor ......................................................26

3.5.5 Thermoelectric Module (Peltier) .................................................27

3.5.6 12 V Light Emitting Diode (LED) Light Strip ...............................28

3.5.7 4 Channel 5V Relay Module ......................................................29

3.5.8 Resistor ......................................................................................30

3.5.9 Light Emitting Diode (LED) .........................................................32

3.5.10 24 V 10 A Centralized Power Supply .........................................32

3.5.12 Buck Converter...........................................................................33

3.5.14 Wi-Fi Module (ESP 8266) ............................................................35

3.5.15 12 V DC Brushless Fan..............................................................36

3.5.16 Sodium Chloride (NaCl) .............................................................36

3.6 Software Implementation and Development ....................................37

3.6.1 Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) .................37

3.6.3 ThingSpeak ................................................................................38

3.7 Prototype Design .............................................................................39

3.7.1 Circuit Diagram ..........................................................................39

3.7.2 Simulation Design ......................................................................42

3.7.3 Input or Output (I/O) Ports Configuration ...................................42

CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction ......................................................................................44

4.2 Testing and Verification ...................................................................44

4.2.1 System Programming.................................................................44

4.2.2 System Monitoring .....................................................................45

4.2.3 Electrical and Instrument Wiring Testing ....................................46