Optimization of Light Conditions in a Greenhouse Environment : Reducing energy consumption and increasing yield using mechatronics

Abstract: The present thesis explores the possibilities of reducing electrical energy consumption in a greenhouse environment through the construction a demonstrator system. The demonstrator system is imagined to be used in a vertical farming setup and is fully automated. The system achieves two main actions. It maintains the artificial light source at a fixed distance above the canopy of the grown crops, and it measures the change in natural light exposure and regulates the artificial light to maintain light conditions while utilizing sunlight. These prove to be good methods for reducing the amount of electrical energy consumed by such a system.