Integrated Technology Systems - Assignment Example

 Integrated Technology Systems Abstract The essay intends to evaluate and explore the technologies used for mushroom cultivation for the increase in the productivity. The essay explored the various designs and specifications required by the mushroom cultivators for proper control of temperature and humidity. It has been comprehended from the evaluation that proper integration of technology system in the cultivation of mushroom facilitates in acquiring benefits of increased production which can be quantified in terms of considerable financial benefits. Introduction Mushroom as cash crop is farmed by individuals in plenty for various reasons. The cultivation of mushroom is considerably different from production of green plants. The cultivation of mushroom is valued by the people as it has medicinal properties and helps in earning good profit. However, the time between spawning and harvesting is for a short span and thus requires technology for better result. Successful cultivation of mushroom will be possible with the use of scientific knowledge along with practical experience. Mushroom science is a discipline which requires proper principles and practices for proper cultivation. Therefore, it can be stated that mushroom farming is not only a science but also an art. Mushroom farming needs high accuracy, which implies the need of using integrated technology, sensors along with controllers. In this context, it can be stated that ignorance at any step might lead to issues by reducing the yield of the mushroom. For instance if the pH of the substrate is not well managed the mushroom might get affected and loose its medicinal value. In this regard, it can be stated that the importance of sensors, computers, and artificial intelligence along with robotic technology are gaining the attention amid the mushroom cultivators. The sensors and controllers are important aspect for mushroom growing as it assists the farmers in maintaining the required temperature and environment optimum for better mushroom cultivation. The objective of sensors and controllers is to maintain and help in achieving the control of the micro climate and operations. The aim of the essay is to gain substantial knowledge regarding the proper and advanced way of cultivating mushroom for better and increased productivity. Mushrooms Cultivation There are different species of mushroom such as oyster mushrooms, white mushroom, crimini mushroom and shiitake mushrooms among others. Mushroom cultivation is therefore not the same for every species of mushrooms. Every mushroom have different requirement in regards to humidity and temperature. It can hereby be stated that growing mushroom is an unusual story in the field of agriculture which requires higher level of understanding, regular monitoring as well as timely management of environmental conditions. Mushroom cultivation is a science which incorporates various environmental aspects along with technological aspects for the effectiveness of the farming. It is important to have a proper layout of the farm because of the requirements of the mushroom farming. Hygiene of the farm is another vital aspect for highly nutritious and tasty mushroom. Hence as stated earlier, the cultivation of mushroom requires well framed knowledge, specialized equipment along with the use of advanced engineering technological advancement. There are various methods for the cultivation of the mushroom as stated some require little technical expertise while some may require high. The sterile handling technology has a high technological demand for the mushroom to be of value. Innovation, perseverance along with careful attention towards every minute detail is of significance for the mushroom farmers. The minute details entail the control of the aerial condition is another significant aspect. Effectiveness of air control and movement needs to be accurately maintained for the mushroom growing structure. The importance of the air flow in the surface of the mushroom helps in to carry heat along with moisture. The air flow in the mushroom growing tunnel is of significance as it is required for removal of excess moisture, carbon dioxide and also heat. This air control tunnel will be implemented in my mushroom farm in order to maintain proper flow of air. The figure 1 below evaluates the structure of the air control tunnel for mushroom cultivation. Figure 1 Source: (Grant & Staunton, 1999) The above illustrated air control tunnel is the common form of controller used for mushroom cultivation and can be implemented in my farm. Through this tunnel the air is well circulated, conditioned and distributed through the polyethylene duct. The tunnel is placed for the purpose of producing quality mushroom in my farm so that zero air speed never occurs. The positive air flow or movement for mushroom growing is about 10cms-1 upwards. Not only the air controller but various other aspects are taken into consideration for mushroom growing. Various designs and specifications of the process control system are also taken into consideration. Investigations of the Design and Specifications of a Process Control System As reflected above mushroom growing requires proper maintenance and a process control system so that hygiene and temperature with proper accuracy is maintained without any hindrance. In the modern scenario the agricultural industry relies on the use of the sensing devices in order to have accurate knowledge regarding the soil, climate and other environmental conditions. In this context, it can be stated that the sensors are of various forms and are used by me in the farm for better productivity. There are various sensors used in the agricultural field which includes Remote Spectral Sensing, Electrochemical Sensors along with Biosensors to maintain the accuracy level required. Similarly, there are different types of sensors used in the cultivation of mushroom which are majorly used for the climate control. The sensors which are of importance for me to use are the Temperature Sensors, Psychrometric & Aspirated Temperature and Humidity Air Sensors, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Sensors along with Capacitive Temperature and Humidity Air Sensors. The aforementioned tools are the sensors devices used for the mushroom growing as it an unusual form of agriculture. The equipment’s are designed in such a manner that it will help to monitor the processes of the mushroom growing which includes cultivation of different forms of mushroom in my farm. Temperature Sensors Temperature Sensors is mainly used to measure the air temperature during the mushroom processing. This can be placed above the mushroom bed. This sensor is employed in order to measure the accuracy of compost and substrate in the mushroom processes. Sensors used for the mushroom growing are either supplied separately or is in-build within the controller according to the need of my farm. The sensors which are to be used for the mushroom growing in my farm have a standard calibration which includes RTD Pt100, Pt500 along with Pt1000. The basic specification of the temperature sensor which I can use is well evaluated through the use of table 1 below: Table 1 Source: (1PJSC TERA, 2013) Moreover, there are various models of sensors that can be used for the mushroom cultivation. The choice of the sensors depends on the size of the farm, soil and environment. Every model has different calibration, length and design as per the specific requirement of the farm. The prices of the sensors vary according to the calibration, design and the model. The below diagram figure 2 and table 2 represents the different models used in the mushroom growing and the related prices that are to be borne by the mushroom cultivators. Figure 2: Models of Sensors Source: (1PJSC TERA, 2013) In this regard, I can implement the 1-4z model which is 800mm of length for the effectiveness of my mushroom farm and temperature measurement. Table 2: Price in USD Source: (1PJSC TERA, 2013) Psychrometric & Aspirated Temperature and Humidity Air Sensors Another sensor that will be required for the mushroom growing is the Psychrometric & Aspirated Temperature and Humidity Air Sensors. The DVT -04 Psychrometer is implemented by the farmers in order to maintain the precise measurement of the humidity along with the air temperature. It is used to maintain the temperature level inside a room wherein the mushrooms are being cultivated. The measurement of the required humidity and temperature is done through the use of a method which includes “wet and dry bulbs.” This implies the use of the dry along with wet thermometer so that the humidity is measured accurately and is automatically converted into relative humidity with the help of psychrometric formula. In this regard the resistance detector is used as a sensing element for the maintenance of temperature for the growth of the mushroom depending on their variety as different mushroom requires different range of humidity, air and hygiene. Thus, it can be stated that if a sensor is properly attached in my mushroom farm it would provide accuracy at high level and stable indication of the air humidity. This form of sensor is recommended in area where the flow of air is constant and thus can be implemented in my farm. The DVT -04 the psychrometric temperature and humidity sensor is used in the farm for the proper maintenance of the temperature and relative humidity mushroom cultivated. This can be placed above the mushroom bed. The calibration and the specification of psychrometric & aspirated temperature and humidity air sensors are demonstrated through the use of table 3 below. Table 3 Source: (2PJSC TERA, 2013) The price of this DVT -04 is relatively low from the other sensors. Its price generally amount to $46.2 and thus can be economical for me to use. The price of the sensor and its effectiveness in controlling and managing the relative humidity makes its use effective and the same time affordable. The sensor is also used in order to remove the disinfectant from the farm for better cultivation of mushroom. There are other two models for this form of sensor which are DVT-07 & DVT-07a. The calibration of the sensor is important for productive growth of various forms of mushroom be it white or Shiitake Mushrooms. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Sensors The carbon dioxide measurement is another important concern in the cultivation of mushroom which can be used for my farm. The AG-05e and AG-05p are the sensors are implemented in the mushroom farm for the stationary measurement of the level of carbon dioxide in the area where the mushroom is cultivated. The sensors have different modifications for the mushroom type. The AG-05e sensor has natural circulation for the oyster mushroom whereas for other forms of mushroom the sensor used is the AG-05p. This will be placed above the mushroom bed. In order to maintain the Co2 concentration in the cultivation of mushroom the AG-05e is implemented in the room where the mushroom is cultivated and transfers the result of measurement to the controller. This sensor device is useful for tracking the Co2 flow of the mushroom growing room. On the other hand, Co2 concentration for the oyster mushroom cultivation can implement the AG-05p sensor with the help of the sealed panel of plastic in the other room than the mushroom growing room. The air is pumped out of the room where the mushrooms are grown into the sensor devise through the use of the oxygen hose. However, it is important to notice for us to not mount the Co2 sensor when in the champignon growing room due to the fact that there is high concentration of moisture because of the watering and steaming. The basic specification of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Sensors used in the mushroom cultivation is demonstrated in the table 5. Table 5 Source: ( 3PJSC TERA, 2013) The mushroom cultivation as evaluated requires high technological advancement and automation for proper sowing and harvesting of the cash crop of the medicinal value. Clean environment, proper ventilated rooms and automation machines are the key reasons which makes the process of mushroom cultivation. The temperature and the humidity are important aspects which are required to be stabilized in order to have increased production of mushroom. This will help in the production of high quality mushroom and seek better return on the amount invested on the cultivation of mushroom. Due to the sensors the indoor along with the outdoor mushroom are being precisely controlled with little technical expertise. The maintenance of proper air temperature and relative humidity is critical in order to minimize the effect of the pest during the mushroom growing. Besides, the cleanliness is another important factor which is necessary for the increased production of mushroom. CO2 B-530A Sensor The B-530A sensor is formed in order to measure the CO2 level of air. It is an inexpensive sensor that can be used by me in my mushroom farm for better control of air. Moreover, the sensor can be easily fitted in the controller due to its easy integration. The sensor is largely used in the mushroom farm wherein a robust and well-designed reliable sensor is required to ensure ideal flow of air for my mushroom production. Therefore, I will be implementing the B-530A CO2 sensor in my farm. The sensor offers silicon coating and filter in order to safeguard the effect of moisture in air. The key feature of the sensor is that it is specifically built for the use of agriculture and hence is designed in such a manner. It is stable and has water proof coating in order to meet the changing weather conditions. It is pre-calibrated and is flexible with 3 along with 7 pin connection. Non-dispersive infrared technology is incorporated in order to measure the level of CO2. The sensor will be effective for my farm as it will provide an output signal as per the level of CO2. The key reason behind selecting this sensor for my mushroom farm is due to its advanced features and ideal design. The diagram of the B-530A sensor is shown below: Figure 3: B-530A Sensors Source: (ELT Sensor, 2014) Controllers for Mushroom Growing The cultivation of mushroom is not very easy as it requires us to maintain proper temperature, air, pesticides and other environmental controls for the production of mushroom to be healthy. The temperature is controlled with the help of the automated machines also known as controllers. It is important to measure the pest control and disease before spawning of mushroom. Pasteurization is important for the mushroom cultivation and necessities the need for proper control. There are various forms of controller that are used by us in an automated manner for better production. The mushroom cultivation requires various types of controller such as controller for Agaricus Compost Fermentation, Pressure Controller, Controller for Industrial Mushroom Cultivation and Controllers for Small Scale Mushroom Cultivation. The controllers are in the form of tunnels and valves for the mushroom cultivation. Controller for Agaricus Compost Fermentation RT4-01F Controller can be implemented for proper fermentation in the form of the open bunker. The controllers are used in order to calculate or measure the average compost temperature with the help of the three points. It is used in an automated manner to compare the points with the set points. The difference amid the points depends upon the temperature and ambience. The RT4-01F the controller forms an output signal in order to control the fan required for the mushroom cultivation. Moreover, the controller has a built-in timer for the fan activation control in the manual mode. The RT4-01F controller device can be connected with PC for seeking better control and effectiveness. Moreover, the sensor and the controller are interconnected an alarm will signal the moment the sensors fails. The controller is used for the controlling of the microclimate in the fermentation bunker of mushroom cultivation. The basic specification of controller for agaricus compost fermentation for the mushroom cultivation is evaluated through the use of table 6. Table 6 Source: (4PJSC TERA, 2013) The controller is used for the proper processing of the fermentation bunker. The total connectivity and the functioning with management are demonstrated through the use of the diagram below. The accuracy and the use of the fan are reflected here. Figure 4: Microclimate Control in a Fermentation Bunker Source: (4PJSC TERA, 2013) The controller determines the passage of air through the use of fan. The management of the sensor supported with the digital temperature equipment can facilitate in seeking higher production of mushroom. AKS Controller for Industrial Mushroom Cultivation This form of controller will be primary used by me for growing various species of mushroom especially white, oyster along with shitake mushrooms. The controller is useful as it assists in controlling and managing the air flow, level of humidity. Co2 concentration with the help of the sensors attached with the controller making it more effective. The AKS controller is used in order to measure the air, compost temperature and the rate of temperature. This controller is ideal for the cultivation of the mushroom. The controller is used to manage the required air temperature for the proper nurturing of the mushroom. The controller controls the climate within the growing room where the mushroom are being cultivated by controlling the flow of fresh air, its circulation, cooling, drying, heating and control the humidification range as per the need of the mushroom growing. The various phases of the cultivation include spawning, bedding; casing and pinning along with harvesting for better value require a proper process for controlling. This process is important to manage the entire process of the mushroom cultivation effectively. The AKS controller effectively controls the process from air temperature to humidity. The controller is effective as it composes the temperature, controls the sir flow and the pumping off the carbon dioxide level from the air. The controller effectively controls the range of actuators during the cultivation phase. If the room of mushroom becomes too humid the sensor for the drying along with cooling adjusts itself automatically to regulate the temperature within the mushroom growing room. This will be placed near the mushroom bed for easy operation. The basic specification of AKS controller for industrial mushroom cultivation is demonstrated in the table 7. Table 7 Source: (5PJSC TERA, 2013) The design of the controller is such that the operators’ panel is displayed so that the temperature and the relative air flow can be visible and controlled manually accordingly if required by me. The below diagram demonstrates the controlling of the climate in the mushroom growing area with the assistance of air conditioning. Figure 5: Microclimate Control In Growing Rooms With Central Air Conditioning Source: (5PJSC TERA, 2013) The advantage of these controllers and sensors is such that it maintains the temperature, humidity level by comparing with the outdoor or indoor temperature of the mushroom. The level of accuracy is high while using the integrated technology than doing the cultivation manually. The need of the various species of mushroom differs and thus the sensors and controllers are used accordingly. Moreover, they can be managed manually by the operator by connecting it with the personal computer so that the adjustment can be made at a real time basis. Besides, I can also benefit substantially with the use of integrated technology system in the form of increased production and adequate return on the amount invested for the purpose of mushroom cultivation. Therefore, the image of my mushroom farm and the sensors along with the controllers are shown below: Figure 6: My Mushroom Farm With One Controller And Sensor Design of the Working Process of the Control System in My Mushroom Farm Figure 7: Flow Chart The controller and the sensor used for my mushroom farm are important and highly advanced as it supports the mushroom growing. The AKS Controller and the carbon dioxide sensors will be implemented in my farm in order to maintain proper air flow, humidity and temperature as per the environment. In this regard, it is important for me to understand the mechanism of the sensor and controller connectivity. The control system implemented by me is time triggered based as it involves the sensors, controllers and also actuators. The sensors and the controller used in my mushroom farm are interconnected with the help of the communication network. Node 1 as explained in figure 7 will collect the information and data from the sensor and send the information to the controller in node 2 and node 3 depicts the actuator value in the network. The messages are queued by sensor node for easy transmission and with the help of the bus the sensor messages are sent. The messages are received with the help of the controller node. From the control node, the messages are transmitted to the actuator with the help of the bus and the messages are then transmitted for information. Figure 8: Control System Source: (Kopacek et al., 2005) Moreover, with the minimum time, the sensor node will send messages and subsequently after receiving the messages, the controller node will generate signal as output message for my understanding. In situations when the sensor fails to operate effectively a mail will be sent through emails in my PC stating error in the mechanism. The alarm will give signals after every five minutes for a quick step. B-530A CO2 Control System for my Mushroom Farm Specification of the Sensor 1. Operating Temperature 0-500 C 2. Operating Humidity which is non-condensing 0-95% RH 3. Operating Environment of My Mushroom Farm 4. Storage Temperature -300C-700 C 5. Analog Voltage Output VDC 0.5 - 4.5V Operating mode (Jumper selection) Jumper “D” :Factory calibrated operating mode Jumper “F” :ACDL(Self-recalibration)operating mode Jumper “Z” :Manual recalibration mode (Re-cal the factory calibration. “D”) The important aspect of the sensor is the CO2 measurement for this the sensing method that is used is the NDIR (Non-dispersive Infrared). The range of measurement is 0 to 5000 ppmm and it is expandable upto 10,000ppmm. The level of accuracy the sensor has is ±30ppm ±5%. The response time is 90% which implies 120 sec and 3 seconds is the sampling interval. Besides, the power input for the sensor is 9 to 18VDC with current consumption of Normal: 25 mA / Peak: 130mA. Output Description of the Sensor The Analog Voltage output 0.5 - 4.5V output range 12 bits output resolution, and 10 KΩ minimum roads Data Transmit 3 seconds interval No handshake protocol this implies that the data is periodically transferred to the outer device Source: (ELT Sensor, 2014) Conclusion The mushroom growing is a different form of agriculture and requires high technical knowledge in order to maintain the flow of air and humidity as they are sensitive. It is important to control the pest attack and maintain the medicinal value of the mushroom thus proper use of bunker, values and pumps are required in my farm. The fermentation of mushroom is important for the mushroom to achieve the high standard with quality. The management of the crop is well attained through the use of controller and sensor with continues attention. The use of integrated technology system is also perceived to provide significant benefits to me in the form increased return on the money invested by me in the cultivation of mushroom. Moreover, it can be stated that the cultivation of mushroom creates a pollution free environment with the help of the integrated technology. References ELT Sensor. (2014). CO2 NDIR Module. Retrieved from http://tccelt.co.kr/2012/eng/pdf/B-530/B530A_sensor_module_DataSheet.pdf Grant, J., & Staunton, L. (1999). Integrated environmental control in mushroom tunnels. Horticulture and Farm Forestry, 4-16. Kopacek, P., Pereira, C.E., & Morel, G. (2005). Information Control Problems in Manufacturing 2004. U.K: Gulf Professional Publishing. Li, S., Simonian, A., & Chin, B.A. (2010). Sensors for agriculture and the food industry. The Electrochemical Society Interface, 41-46. Micron. (n.d.). Technology of mushroom cultivation. Chapter 4, 64-79. Oei, P. (2005). Small-scale mushroom cultivation. Agromisa Foundation and CTA, 6-83. 1PJSC TERA. (2013). Temperature sensors. Retrieved from http://gribovod.kiev.ua/img/common/content/t-sensors_en.pdf 2PJSC TERA. (2013). Temperature and humidity sensors. Retrieved from http://gribovod.kiev.ua/img/common/content/ps-rh-sensors_en.pdf 3PJSC TERA. (2013). Carbon dioxide control. Retrieved from http://gribovod.kiev.ua/img/common/content/co2-sensor_en.pdf 4PJSC TERA. (2013). Controller for agaricus compost fermentation. Retrieved from http://gribovod.kiev.ua/img/common/content/rt4-01f_en.pdf 5PJSC TERA. (2013). Microclimate control. Retrieved from http://gribovod.kiev.ua/img/common/content/aks_v_en.pdf Read More