Precision Gourmet Mushroom Grow Chamber: Arduino R4 WiFi Controlled Environment

[qaswerfd]

Introduction:

Hello Arduino enthusiasts! Over the past two months, I've been experimenting with Arduino and decided to build a project that allows for precise control of environmental conditions for gourmet mushroom cultivation. I'm excited to share my automated grow chamber project, which combines environmental control, efficient power management, and web integration.

Project Overview:

This project aims to create a self-contained and efficient grow chamber for cultivating gourmet mushrooms. Using the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi, I've developed a system that meticulously manages temperature, humidity, and airflow, all powered from a single wall outlet.

Specifications:

• Microcontroller: Arduino Uno R4 WiFi
• Temperature Control:
  • 230V 60Hz Reptile Heat Mat controlled via a 5V Relay.
  • DH11 Temperature/Humidity Sensor with onboard pull-up resistor.
• Humidity Control:
  • Mister Circuit controlled via a 5V Relay.
• Air Exchange:
  • 2 x 25KHz PWM Fans.
  • 2 x HEPA Filters housed in 3D-printed ducts (one intake, one exhaust).
• Power Management:
  • Single 230V AC wall plug input.
  • 230V AC to 12V DC Converter (for fans).
  • 12V to 5V Buck Converter (for Arduino, mister, sensor, and relays).
• Enclosure:
  • 45-liter Generic Storage Box with Radiator Foil Insulation.
• Connectivity:
  • Onboard WiFi for Web Server and Firebase Realtime Database integration (toggleable).
  • Webserver to adjust temperature and humidity threshold values.
• Additional Components:
  • Breadboard, Pin Leads, Electrical Tape, Solder.

Key Features:

• Single-Plug Power: Streamlined power management, with all components powered from a single wall outlet.
• Precise Environmental Control: The Arduino monitors and regulates temperature and humidity, essential for successful gourmet mushroom growth.
• Web Server Interface: Remote adjustment of temperature and humidity thresholds via a user-friendly web interface.
• Firebase Integration: Data logging capabilities (toggleable) for tracking environmental conditions, aiding in process optimization.
• 3D Printed Ducts: Controlled and filtered airflow for a healthy growing environment.

Bill of Materials (BOM):

• Arduino Uno R4 WiFi
• DH11 Temperature/Humidity Sensor
• 2 x 5V Relays
• 230V 60Hz Reptile Heat Mat
• Mister Circuit
• 2 x 25KHz PWM Fans
• 2 x HEPA Filters
• 2 x 3D-Printed Fan/Filter Ducts
• 230V AC to 12V DC Converter
• 12V to 5V Buck Converter
• 45-Liter Storage Box
• Radiator Foil
• Breadboard
• Pin Leads
• Electrical Tape
• Solder

Challenges and Learnings:

• Optimizing power distribution from a single source.
• Designing efficient airflow with HEPA filters.
• Integrating Firebase and managing data limits.
• Creating a responsive webserver.

Future Plans:

• Refining control algorithms for enhanced precision.
• Optimizing Firebase data logging for long-term monitoring.
• Developing a more advanced web interface.
• Fine tuning the parameters for specific gourmet mushroom species.

Call to Action:

This project was a rewarding experience, and I'm eager to share it with the Arduino community. If you're interested in gourmet mushroom cultivation or environmental control projects, please feel free to reach out. I'd love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions.

#Arduino #GourmetMushrooms #Automation #DIY #Electronics #ProjectShowcase #Mycology #Firebase #WebServer #R4WiFi

[Paul_KD7HB]

How well does the recovery from short term and long term power failure work?

[qaswerfd]

In terms of the box efficiency, the box is actually very well insulated so there is very little deviation. The mister circuit is also very efficient at restoring optimal humidity levels so in terms of keeping the mushrooms at optimal levels it being off for extended periods isn’t too much of a problem.

In the code I have ideal conditions for fruiting for the varieties I have chosen, meaning upon power loss, the values are hard coded into the set-up. But if the threshold values were changed it would be a known limitation that the thresholds would reset (as the main setup loop is run)

[gilshultz]

Thanks for sharing!

[broth_hygienist]

This is a really fascinating project! The precision temperature control for a chamber is something I've been very interested in exploring myself.

I'm particularly curious about the temperature regulation. I was wondering, could you share any data logs or graphs showing the temperature stability over time? Also, what is the typical temperature range the chamber maintains?

And I'm always eager to learn the controlling techniques – what algorithm are you using to control the heat mat via the relay? PID or?

[qaswerfd]

Happy to provide some insight!

So the heating mat is basically just attached to the side of the box, ideally i would have a more direct heating method but I was happy to do it easily and cheaply. Essentially the dh11 sensor periodically checks the temp and if it falls below my threshold value it switches the relay on and when it is above the lower threshold it turns the relay off. Ideally it would keep the temperature within the ideal zones for a slighly higher duration but with a bit of manipulation I am sure I could maintain the ~20 celsius ideal temp more efficiently. It was a bit of a gamble getting it to work but it ended up working perfectly for this application. Have had a good number of flushes already happy to report!

With a space heating module it would be able to respond better to the fluctuations, the heat mat takes a little time to heat up and hence why there is a bit of heat momentum bringing it occasionally to the top of the idealised zones. No PID control necessary. For the heat mat it is made for reptile enclosures and is just a plug and play deal.

The big fluctuations in temp and humidity are when I open the box or was doing testing so are more my fault not cleaning the data.