Portable Microclimate Monitoring Station

Prepared by

  1. MUHAMMAD IMAN FADLI BIN ZULKEFLI (212020745)
  2. MUHAMMAD ZUHRI BIN ZAMBRI (212021413)
  3. MUHAMMAD AFIF IZZUDDIN BIN MOHD NAJIB (212020707)
  4. AHMAD FAIZ NUR BIN MOHD MAZLAN (212020610) 
  5. NUR NILAM SARI BINTI ZAINAL ABIDIN (212021420)

Introduction

    Localized environmental circumstances are becoming more and more important to examine and understand in a variety of scientific, agricultural, and ecological research projects. A vital tool for gaining a thorough understanding of microclimates and their dynamic subtleties is the use of portable microclimate monitoring stations.

    These ground-breaking stations offer a flexible and adaptive way to collect real-time data in a range of geographic regions, marking a significant advancement in environmental monitoring. These mobile, compact stations have a network of sophisticated sensors and devices that have been painstakingly calibrated to record a wide range of environmental factors.

    The importance of these portable stations in the quest to comprehend microclimates tiny pockets of unique climatic conditions inside larger regions cannot be highlight. Through the precise measurement and analysis of variables including temperature, humidity, air quality, wind speed, and precipitation, these stations provide a complex web of environmental data that is useful to academics, ecologists, and meteorologists.

    By combining cutting-edge technology with an unwavering dedication to environmental conservation, these mobile stations serve as essential instruments for the painstaking observation and analysis of the complex dance of environmental components in specific environments.


 Problem statement

    Modern environmental monitoring techniques frequently fail to provide a thorough, up-to-date understanding of microclimates those specific, localized environmental conditions necessary for meteorological forecasts, ecological sustainability, and precision agriculture. While efficient in their permanent positions, most stationary monitoring systems are not flexible or adaptable enough to capture the varied and dynamic subtleties of microclimates across different geographic regions.


    These restrictions make it difficult to evaluate and interpret microclimatic fluctuations accurately, which makes it difficult to do thorough study in disciplines like meteorology, ecology, and agriculture. The creation of focused and adaptable interventions that are essential for reducing the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable operation is hampered by the difficulty to quickly and effectively quantify the complex interactions of environmental elements within these localized locations.


    This lack of monitoring capabilities highlight the urgent need for a more adaptable, transportable, and all-encompassing solution: a system that can be quickly deployed across a variety of terrains and is outfitted with a number of precise sensors to record and analyses a wide range of environmental parameters. A vital way to close the knowledge gap in present monitoring techniques and advance our comprehension of microclimates is the development and integration of Portable Microclimate Monitoring Stations.


Objective

  • To design the Portable Microclimate Monitoring Stations using ESP 32.
  • To develop system in Blynk apps to monitoring temperature, humidity, light, rainwater and pressure.

Literature Review

    Portable microclimate monitoring station have emerged as indispensable tools across diverse domains, offering valuable insights into localized environmental conditions. This literature review explores the multifaceted applications of these systems, shedding light on their role in research, agriculture, urban planning, environmental management, and weather forecasting.

      The station have become integral to scientific endeavors, facilitating in-depth research and analysis of specific environmental conditions. They help scientists and researchers understand specific environmental conditions within a small area, aiding in ecological studies, agriculture, urban planning, and more. The integration of portable microclimate monitoring station in agriculture has ushered in a new era of precision farming. Farmers use them to monitor microclimates within their fields, allowing for targeted irrigation, pest control, and crop management, optimizing yields.

       City planners are increasingly turning to microclimate data to inform urban development strategies. They use this data to design more efficient and sustainable urban environments by understanding localized climate variations, planners can create urban environments that are not only energy-efficient but also considerate of the well-being of inhabitants. Monitoring microclimates aids in managing natural reserves, forests, and protected areas to preserve biodiversity and habitats in the realm of environmental management. Also, the impact of microclimate data on weather forecasting models is evident in the work which they contribute to improving the accuracy of weather predictions by integrating localized climate data into forecasting models.

    This literature review underscores the versatility and significance of microclimate monitoring station in various domains. As technology advances, this station continue to evolve, offering new possibilities for scientific research, sustainable agriculture, urban planning, environmental conservation, and meteorology. Future research may delve into further refining this station, addressing challenges, and exploring emerging applications to harness their full potential in addressing pressing environmental issues.

(The Importance of Monitoring Microclimatic Conditions in Indian Agriculture 🌾, n.d.)


Methodology

FLOWCHART

    The flowchart illustrates the step-by-step process of  Portable Microclimate Monitoring Station. It begins with the system's setup, where the hardware is configured, and connections to the Blynk application are established. The sensors are then readied for data collection. The core of the operation is a repeating loop that continuously checks various sensors, such as the rain sensor, DHT11 (for temperature and humidity), LDR (for light intensity), and BMP180 (for barometric pressure). When specific conditions or data readings are detected, like rain or environmental changes, the system sends this information to the Blynk app, allowing users to see real-time updates.


Flowchart  Portable Microclimate Monitoring Station


HARDWARE COMPONENTS :

1. ESP32 Microcontroller:


    The NODEMCU ESP32 is a microcontroller with built-in 2.4 GHz dual-mode Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It is programmed using the Arduino IDE to perform various tasks, such as collecting data from sensors, controlling motors, and communicating with other devices or cloud-based services.

2. Rain Sensor:


    The rain sensor is a fundamental component of the station, designed to accurately detect and measure rainfall or precipitation. It utilizes conductive traces to sense the presence of water droplets, providing critical data for rainfall analysis and climate monitoring.

3. DHT11 (Temperature and Humidity Sensor):

     The DHT11 sensor offers precise real-time measurements of both temperature and humidity. Its reliability and cost-effectiveness make it an ideal choice for monitoring environmental conditions and assessing microclimate variations.

4. LDR Sensor Module (Light Dependent Resistor):

    The LDR sensor module measures ambient light intensity, allowing for the assessment of natural light fluctuations in the surrounding area. This data is vital for understanding light patterns in microclimates.

5.BMP180 (Barometric Pressure Sensor):

     The BMP180 sensor is employed to monitor barometric pressure, a key parameter in understanding atmospheric conditions and predicting weather changes. Its high precision ensures accurate pressure measurements.

SOFTWARE COMPONENTS :

1. Arduino IDE


    The Arduino IDE serves as the programming tool for the ESP32 microcontroller, managing the Portable Microclimate Monitoring Station's operation. It's the control center that instructs the microcontroller to collect data from the sensors and send it to Blynk. This software ensures seamless coordination among the components, ensuring precise data collection and transmission. It functions as the project's central control unit.

2. Blynk


    Blynk is the user-friendly aspect of the project. It's a mobile app configured to make it straightforward for users to visualize the gathered data. Through Blynk, users can easily access information about temperature, humidity, rainfall, light levels, and barometric pressure on their smartphones. Blynk acts as an interface, simplifying data accessibility and comprehension. It's akin to the window through which individuals can view and interact with the data, improving the project's usability and practicality.


Result and Discussions

In the "Result and Discussion" chapter, We will present the circuit diagram and source code we came up with and Blynk UI Interface that we decided on for both Mobile and Web interfaces. Additionally, we will also discuss data collected throughout the testing process by using Blynk Interface.




Portable Microclimate Monitoring Station



Portable Microclimate Monitoring Station Blynk Interface


CIRCUIT DIAGRAM



SOURCE CODE

#define BLYNK_TEMPLATE_ID "TMPL6WHxzpS_l"
#define BLYNK_TEMPLATE_NAME "Microclimate Monitoring Station"
#define BLYNK_AUTH_TOKEN "mcfyNklxjJRNa_Bo8nO2KWxNKO0ZBwKf"


// Include the necessary library files
#include <Wire.h>
#include <WiFiClient.h>
#include <BlynkSimpleEsp32.h>
#include <DHT.h>
#include <SFE_BMP180.h>

#define LDR 4
#define TH 5
#define Rain 36

SFE_BMP180 bmp;
DHT dht(TH, DHT11);
BlynkTimer timer;

// Enter your Auth token
char auth[] = "mcfyNklxjJRNa_Bo8nO2KWxNKO0ZBwKf";
char ssid[] = "murasakinome";
char pass[] = "password";


double T, P;  // Declare T and P as global variables
char status;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Blynk.begin(auth, ssid, pass);
  bmp.begin();
  dht.begin();
  pinMode(LDR, INPUT);
  pinMode(Rain, INPUT);
  analogReadResolution(12);

  // Set up timers to read sensors and send data to Blynk
  timer.setInterval(5000L, DHT11sensor);
  timer.setInterval(60000L, rainSensor);
  timer.setInterval(60000L, pressure);
  timer.setInterval(1000L, LDRsensor);
}

void DHT11sensor() {
  float h = dht.readHumidity();
  float t = dht.readTemperature();

  if (!isnan(h) && !isnan(t)) {
    Serial.print("DHT11 - Temperature: ");
    Serial.print(t);
    Serial.print(" °C, Humidity: ");
    Serial.print(h);
    Serial.println(" %");
    Blynk.virtualWrite(V0, t);
    Blynk.virtualWrite(V1, h);
  } else {
    Serial.println("DHT11 - Failed to read sensor data.");
  }
}

void rainSensor() {
  int Rvalue = analogRead(Rain);
  Rvalue = map(Rvalue, 0, 4095, 0, 100);
  Rvalue = abs(Rvalue - 100);
  Serial.print("Rain Sensor - Value: ");
  Serial.println(Rvalue);
  Blynk.virtualWrite(V2, Rvalue);
}

void pressure() {
  status = bmp.startTemperature();
  if (status != 0) {
    delay(status);
    status = bmp.getTemperature(T);

    status = bmp.startPressure(3); // 0 to 3
    if (status != 0) {
      delay(status);
      status = bmp.getPressure(P, T);
    }
  }

  if (status == 0) {
    Serial.println("BMP180 - Failed to read sensor data.");
  } else {
    Serial.print("BMP180 - Temperature: ");
    Serial.print(T);
    Serial.print(" °C, Pressure: ");
    Serial.print(P);
    Serial.println(" Pa");
    Blynk.virtualWrite(V3, P);
  }
}

void LDRsensor() {
  bool value = digitalRead(LDR);
  if (value == 1) {
    Serial.println("LDR - It's dark");
    Blynk.virtualWrite(V4, 255); // Turn on the virtual LED
  } else {
    Serial.println("LDR - It's bright");
    Blynk.virtualWrite(V4, 0); // Turn off the virtual LED
  }
}

void loop() {
  Blynk.run();
  timer.run();
}

PROJECT TESTING


Light detection testing

    In the video above, we can see that the initial value of light is 1 when there is no light. Then, after the light source was turned on, the value change to 0 immediately indicating that light source was available.



Pressure testing

     Typically, the normal atmospheric pressure at sea level is 1013.25 hPa (hectopascals). In the above video, the current pressure is 1009 hPa which shows that the calculations are correct and believable based on the normal atmospheric pressure. When the tester kept climbing the staircase, the pressure showed no significant change until he reached the top of the building where the pressure dropped to 1008. Even though the change of value is not very much, it still shows that our system is still fully functional even with variable constraint where pressure values are hard to be manipulated. 



Humidity and Rainwater testing

    In the video above, we can see that the initial value of humidity and rainwater is 83 and 0% when the tester is still in the hostel. Then after going out from the hostel, we saw that the humidity changed from 83 to 80. This is because in general, humidity tends to be higher in areas with less air circulation and more confined spaces such as building hallways or enclosed spaces. The humidity should be higher outside of the building if it is rainy and windy. But in this test, it was raining and less windy. 

For the rainwater, the value changed from 0% to 36% after he sprinkled water on top of the sensor. This show that the sensor is fully functioning and successful in detecting the water present. tester did not let the rainwater come in contact directly with the device because there is possibility of the huge amount of rainwater getting into the casing that protected the microcontroller. 



Summary and Future Plans


SUMMARY

    The Portable Microclimate Monitoring Station project is designed to offer a comprehensive solution for monitoring environmental conditions in real-time. Leveraging the capabilities of the ESP32 microcontroller and Blynk apps, this portable device integrates various sensors to measure key environmental parameters.

    The included sensors cover a range of crucial factors such as temperature, humidity, light levels, rainwater, and atmospheric pressure. The use of a weather-resistant casing ensures the durability of the device in different environmental conditions, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

    The ESP32 microcontroller plays a central role in processing the sensor data and facilitating communication with the Blynk app. Through the Blynk app, users gain access to a user-friendly interface that allows them to monitor the collected data in real-time. This seamless integration of hardware and software provides an efficient and convenient solution for individuals and organizations looking to keep track of environmental conditions at any given location.

    Overall, the Portable Microclimate Monitoring Station serves as a versatile and portable tool that brings together cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design to enhance the accessibility of environmental monitoring. Whether for research purposes, agriculture, or personal use, this project offers a robust and adaptable solution for keeping track of crucial environmental parameters.

    Future plans involve sensor expansion, exploring additional connectivity options, improving power efficiency, implementing data analytics, and developing a dedicated mobile application. Integration with smart systems, collaboration with research institutions, open-source development, and iterative improvements based on user feedback are key elements of the project's forward-looking strategy. The goal is to create a comprehensive and adaptable solution for a range of environmental monitoring applications, including agriculture, meteorology, and scientific research.


FUTURE PLANS

    The future plans for the Portable Microclimate Monitoring Station project encompass a multifaceted approach. Sensor expansion is targeted to broaden the range of monitored parameters, while exploration of additional connectivity options aims to enhance deployment flexibility. Improving power efficiency and implementing data analytics will contribute to prolonged operation and deeper insights. Development of a dedicated mobile application seeks to provide a tailored user experience. Integration with smart systems and collaboration with research institutions highlight the project's ambition for broader applications and contributions to scientific endeavors. Embracing open-source development and incorporating iterative improvements based on user feedback are integral to ensuring the project remains adaptable and responsive to evolving environmental monitoring needs. Ultimately, the overarching goal is to establish a comprehensive and adaptable solution applicable across diverse domains such as agriculture, meteorology, and scientific research.


CONCLUSION

    In conclusion, the envisioned Portable Microclimate Monitoring Stations stand as a pioneering force in environmental monitoring, promising adaptability and precision for microclimate understanding. The outlined objectives and future plans emphasize a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and user-centric development, positioning the project as a transformative solution with broad scientific applications.

GROUP PROJECT VIDEO

https://youtu.be/-JMhlnnO91k







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