Measurements of environmental parameters inside and outside a greenhouse using open-source software device

A monitoring system using an open-source device based on Arduino was used to conduct an experiment inside a naturally ventilated greenhouse and predict the ventilation rate. Three DHT11 temperature/humidity sensors were used to measure the inside and outside temperature as well as an anemometer with an air current speed sensor included for measuring air current speed. The greenhouse was equipped with roof and side wall ventilators. The ventilation rate was calculated via an equation where both wind and buoyancy effect were taken into consideration. The goal of this research was to develop an inexpensive system that could be used by the producers as a reliable and accurate tool for measuring environmental parameters inside greenhouses and other agricultural buildings. The results led to the conclusion that the greenhouse's ventilation rate was adequate and measurements were accurate. Therefore, the experimental system's operation was reliable making it a low-cost and energy-efficient solution for environmental management in agricultural buildings.