PRIORITY-BASED SOLAR POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER FOR SUSTAINABLE GREENHOUSE FARMING

Abstract

“PRIORITY-BASED SOLAR POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER FOR SUSTAINABLE GREENHOUSE FARMING” The present invention provides priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming. The most notable innovation is the priority-based scheduling intelligent controller, which dynamically manages greenhouse loads based on real-time solar energy availability and the criticality of each operation, ensuring that energy is used efficiently and wastage is minimized. Additionally, the system integrates real-time environmental data-such as moisture, temperature and light-with solar power management, enabling optimal control of energy-intensive operations like irrigation and ventilation by intelligent controllers. The integration of LoRaWAN technology offers an affordable and reliable solution for remote farming operations without the need for internet connectivity. Finally, the system's cost-effective and scalable design makes it accessible to small and marginal farmers, providing a modular approach that allows expansion based on the farmer’s needs. Figure 1

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of solar power management, and more particularly, the present invention relates to the priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The following discussion of the background of the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as of the application's priority date. The details provided herein the background if belongs to any publication is taken only as a reference for describing the problems, in general terminologies or principles or both of science and technology in the associated prior art.
[0003] India's agriculture sector consumes 20-22% of the country's total electricity requirement as reported by the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India. With the world population expected to surpass 9.8 billion by 2050, there is increasing pressure on agricultural systems to ensure food security, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. The agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, including extreme weather, land degradation and pest issues, which demand innovative solutions to support SDG 13: Climate Action for sustainable food production. In rural areas, regarded as the country's food grain production bowl, faces electricity shortages that force farmers to rely on manual labour, reducing productivity. Smart farming, particularly solar-powered greenhouses, offers a solution by optimizing resource use and mitigating climate impacts, supporting SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. However, current systems used by small and medium farmers are often inefficient, leading to high energy costs and reliance on large battery banks and PV panels. Furthermore, existing smart irrigation systems focus on productivity and automation but still result in resources wastage.
[0004] As a result, widespread adoption of smart farming in rural areas remains financially unfeasible for small farmers, posing a barrier to achieving SDG 1: No Poverty. Another issue is unintelligent load management, where equipment such as irrigation systems, fans, and lighting are operated without consideration for energy availability or prioritization. This uncoordinated control leads to inefficient energy use, resulting in spikes in power demand and higher operational costs. This invention introduces an intelligent, low-cost controller that addresses these issues by optimizing energy usage through priority-based scheduling. The controller dynamically balances energy supply and demand, minimizing energy wastage and reducing the need for large battery storage. By lowering operational costs and providing a scalable, affordable solution, the system makes solar-powered greenhouse farming accessible to small and marginal farmers. With the proposed system the resources wastage to productivity ratio will also decrease that help in sustainable environmental development and reducing poverty and hunger by using affordable and clean energy.
[0005] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for Priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming that overcomes problems prevalent in the prior art associated with the traditionally available method or system, of the above-mentioned inventions that can be used with the presented disclosed technique with or without modification.
[0006] There are several solutions available for addressing the problem of energy management and resource optimization in solar-powered greenhouses. These solutions primarily focus on either aspect of smart farming, energy-efficient irrigation and environmental monitoring. Below are some existing approaches and technologies that address similar challenges to the Priority-Based Solar Power Management System for Sustainable Greenhouse Farming:
[0007] I. Patent Title: IoT-Based Farming and Plant Growth Ecosystem (US011195015B2) The IoT-Based Farming and Plant Growth Ecosystem patent outlines an innovative agricultural system that utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology to optimize plant growth within a controlled environment. Central to this system is a positive air pressure chamber, designed to maintain a sterile atmosphere by preventing external contaminants from entering. The system incorporates multi-level growth cells, which enhance crop yield by maximizing vertical space, and a vertical hoist system for adjusting plant positioning, thereby optimizing light exposure. This system presents certain challenges. Primarily, it is designed for urban or indoor farming, which may limit its applicability in rural settings where access to IoT infrastructure may be lacking. Additionally, the reliance on continuous energy supply for the IoT devices and environmental control systems may pose operational risks in areas with unstable electricity. Furthermore, the complexity and cost associated with establishing and maintaining a positive air pressure chamber and automated systems may be prohibitive for small-scale farmers, potentially leading to a disparity in access to advanced farming technologies. No mention of the energy storage and management make the system less efficient in the long run.
[0008] II. Patent Title: Internet of Things Based Farm Greenhouse Monitor and Alarm Management System (USOO864.3495B2) The patent describes an advanced system leveraging IoT technology to automate the monitoring and management of greenhouse environments. This system continuously tracks various environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and light levels, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth. Connectivity through mobile communication networks facilitates data processing and alerts. When environmental conditions deviate from predefined thresholds, alarms are triggered to notify farm managers, enabling timely interventions to protect crops. The reliance on mobile communication networks may limit functionality in remote areas. The system's effectiveness hinges on a stable power supply for the IoT devices, which may be a concern in regions with inconsistent electricity access. Again, no mention was on energy management was there.
[0009] III. Patent Title: Solar PV Grid-Connected Power Generation System for Agricultural Greenhouses (CN201821292U) This patent presents an innovative solution that integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation with greenhouse operations. This system enables greenhouses to harness solar energy to generate electricity while maintaining optimal growing conditions for plants. Key features include a solar PV power generation setup that utilizes the space above the greenhouse for solar panels, which allows for dual use of land without sacrificing agricultural productivity. The system is grid-connected, enabling surplus electricity to be fed back into the electrical grid, potentially lowering energy costs for greenhouse operations. Additionally, it incorporates an automatic constant-temperature control mechanism, ensuring a stable internal climate for plant growth regardless of external weather fluctuations. While this system effectively combines sustainable energy generation with agricultural productivity, it presents certain challenges. The reliance on a grid connection may limit its applicability in remote areas where electricity infrastructure is lacking or unreliable. In the other hand without proper energy management, standalone solar system requires significant upfront capital investment, which may deter smallholder farmers from adopting the technology.
[0010] IV. Patent Title: Modern Agricultural Greenhouse Control Method (CN113961028A) This patent outlines a comprehensive approach to managing greenhouse environments by continuously monitoring various aspects, including equipment states and environmental conditions. The system utilizes real-time data transmission to send collected information to a control center, where it is processed to facilitate dynamic adjustments for optimal growing conditions. Automation capabilities allow the system to respond autonomously to environmental changes, ensuring efficient operation without requiring human intervention. The initial setup costs associated with implementing such a comprehensive monitoring and control system may be prohibitive for smallholder farmers, limiting widespread adoption. While the system emphasizes energy efficiency through comprehensive load monitoring, it may not adequately address localized microclimatic variations.
[0011] V. Patent Title: Smart Control/IoT System for Agriculture Environment Control (US20170127622A1) The patent details an advanced Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled system designed to enhance agricultural productivity and return on investment (ROI) by automating the control of essential environmental factors. The system utilizes multiple sensor hubs strategically placed throughout the farm to monitor critical elements influencing plant growth, including lighting, humidity, and temperature and soil moisture. These hubs collect data using meteorological and environmental data acquisition systems. Advanced lighting control features allow for the adjustment of light intensity and cycles, optimizing conditions for specific crops. The data collected is transmitted to a cloud or local control system for real time analysis and adjustment, which can be accessed remotely via web applications or mobile devices. The system's automation capabilities improve efficiency by managing processes such as irrigation, fertilization and ventilation based on real-time data and it employs precision agriculture techniques using geo-statistics for targeted resource management. While this IoT-enabled system presents innovative features, it encounters several challenges. The dependence on cloud connectivity for data analysis may pose risks in areas with unreliable internet access, potentially compromising system responsiveness and effectiveness.
[0012] The initial investment for deploying multiple sensor hubs and advanced control systems may be significant, discouraging adoption among smallholder farmers with limited financial resources. The complexity of integrating diverse sensor technologies may require specialized knowledge for setup and maintenance, which could be a barrier for non-technical users. Furthermore, while the system enhances automation and efficiency, it may not sufficiently address issues relating the smart energy management, leading to potential inefficiencies in managing the overall farm productivity and benefit to cost ratio.
[0013] The innovation stands out from other available or known solutions in several ways, offering unique features and advantages that specifically address the needs of small and marginal farmers. Here's how this solution is unique and different compared to existing systems:
- i. Unlike other systems that manage loads in a fixed, uncoordinated manner, this system incorporates a priority-based scheduling intelligent controller. This smart controller dynamically manages the greenhouse loads (e.g., irrigation systems, fans, lighting) by prioritizing critical operations based on the available solar energythus preventing energy wastage.
- ii. Existing solar-powered systems often lack intelligent energy management, leading to over-dimensioned battery storage and solar arrays to meet demand, which increases costs. By optimizing the energy usage in real-time, the proposed system reduces reliance on oversized components, lowering both capital and operational expenses.
- iii. Many available systems are expensive and suited for commercial farming, making them impractical for small farmers. The proposed system significantly lowers initial and operational costs and optimizes solar energy usage, making it accessible to farmers with limited resources.
- iv. While many modern IoT-based systems offer remote monitoring, they typically rely on Wi-Fi or cellular networks, which may not be available in rural areas. The use of LoRaWAN ensures that even in remote locations, farmers can manage their greenhouse operations from a distance, improving accessibility and ease of use.
[0014] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies, and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming that uses a priority-based scheduling intelligent controller to optimize energy usage in real-time.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming that is low-cost and scalable for small farmers with limited resources.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming that provides long range, low-power communication without requiring the internet, perfect for rural areas.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming, wherein single device manages all the loads.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming that reduces the need for large battery banks and oversized solar panels, lowering capital costs.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming, wherein low maintenance costs and internet subscription are not required.
[0022] The foregoing and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention relates to priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming.
[0024] The invention offers a novel solution to key challenges related to energy inefficiency, high operational costs and resource wastage in solar-powered greenhouse systems. Below is a detailed description of how the invention overcomes these challenges, along with the description of a potential schematic diagram to illustrate the system's architecture. The invention tackles the problems by introducing a smart, cost-effective controller that optimizes the use of solar power through intelligent load management, remote monitoring and real time environmental data analysis.
[0025] The system is designed (Fig. 1) to ensure that available solar energy is used efficiently, prioritizing critical operations while preventing energy and water wastage. The key components and features of the system include:
[0026] A. Intelligent Load management via priority scheduling: One of the major innovations is the priority-based scheduling algorithm. This algorithm categorizes the loads in the greenhouse (such as irrigation systems, ventilation fans, lighting, etc.) into three levels:
- i. Threshold Load: Operations that must run continuously (e.g., ventilation fans to maintain optimal temperature).
- ii. Mean Load: Operations that should run regularly but can be delayed if power is insufficient (e.g., irrigation).
- iii. Maximum Load: Non-critical operations that run only when excess power is available (e.g., lighting at specific intervals).
[0027] The controller dynamically adjusts the power distribution based on solar energy availability throughout the day. By giving priority to critical operations, the system ensures optimal energy usage and prevents load spikes that can result in higher energy costs or larger storage requirements.
[0028] B. Real-time monitoring of solar power and greenhouse conditions: The system uses voltage and current sensors to continuously monitor the output from the solar panels, ensuring that the available power is accurately tracked. Additionally, environmental sensors such as moisture sensors, temperature sensors and CO2 sensors-are used to monitor real-time conditions inside the greenhouse. This data is fed into a microcontroller that makes intelligent decisions about which loads to activate or delay, optimizing both energy and resource use. The loads are controlled through an electromagnetic relay which acts as a switch by connecting and breaking the circuit.
[0029] C. Remote monitoring and control through LoRaWAN: A LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) device is integrated into the system, allowing for remote monitoring and control of greenhouse operations. LoRaWAN is especially suitable for rural areas as it offers long-range communication without requiring an internet connection. Farmers can use this system to remotely adjust load priorities, monitor system performance, and receive real-time updates about energy availability and greenhouse conditions, thus reducing the need for manual intervention.
[0030] D. Cost-effective and scalable design: The system is designed to reduce the need for oversized battery banks and PV panels by optimizing the balance between energy demand and solar energy availability. This makes it more affordable for small and marginal farmers, allowing them to adopt greenhouse technology without high upfront investment costs. The scalable design means the system can be adapted for different greenhouse sizes and configurations, making it suitable for a wide range of agricultural applications.
[0031] E. Efficient resources management: In addition to energy optimization, the system integrates precise resources management, e.g. irrigation water management. The moisture sensor data is used to control irrigation systems, ensuring that water is only supplied when needed. This prevents over-irrigation, reducing water wastage and improving the water-use efficiency of the greenhouse. The system's ability to monitor both energy and water usage contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.
[0032] The proposed unit operates by harnessing solar energy to power greenhouse equipment efficiently. Solar panels generate electricity, which is stored in a battery via., a charge controller for use during periods of low sunlight. Environmental conditions, such as soil moisture, temperature and light intensity, are monitored using sensors. A microcontroller processes the sensor data and controls the greenhouse loads-such as the water pump, fan pad, and LED bulb-through a relay module based on a priority-based scheduling intelligent controller. This ensures that critical loads are activated when needed, optimizing energy usage and reducing waste. Additionally, a LoRaWAN module enables remote monitoring and control, allowing farmers to manage their greenhouse operations from a distance. The system's energy-efficient design ensures sustainable, cost-effective operations, minimizing water and power wastage while maintaining optimal growing conditions for plants.
[0033] The controller system starts with solar energy generated by the solar panel, which is regulated by the charge controller and stored in the battery (Fig. 2). This energy powers the various greenhouse systems, including irrigation, cooling and lighting systems. The microcontroller is central to the operation, receiving real-time data from environmental sensors such as the moisture sensor, temperature sensor, and light sensor. These sensors provide crucial information about the greenhouse environment, including soil moisture levels, internal temperature and light intensity. Within the microcontroller, the task manager module processes the incoming data and handles the decision-making process. It generates tasks based on sensor inputs (e.g., triggering irrigation if soil moisture is low), maps these tasks to appropriate loads, schedules them according to priority (e.g., prioritizing irrigation over lighting when energy is limited) and deploys the tasks by sending control signals to the relay module.
[0034] The relay module acts as a switch that controls the activation or deactivation of various loads ensuring efficient distribution of energy based on real-time needs. The system is equipped with LoRaWAN communication technology, which enables remote monitoring and control of the greenhouse operations. Farmers can view data such as current sensor readings, energy levels, and task statuses on a remote display via LoRaWAN. The signal lines in the diagram show the flow of data between the sensors, microcontroller, and relay module, while the power lines represent the distribution of solar power to the various loads.
[0035] While the invention has been described and shown with reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0036] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may have been referred by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0037] These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:
[0038] Fig. 1 Overview of the Proposed System for Sustainable Greenhouse Farming.
[0039] Fig. 2 Block diagram of the proposed system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0041] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means "one or more" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0042] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of, "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0043] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0044] The present invention relates to priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming.
[0045] The invention offers a novel solution to key challenges related to energy inefficiency, high operational costs and resource wastage in solar-powered greenhouse systems. Below is a detailed description of how the invention overcomes these challenges, along with the description of a potential schematic diagram to illustrate the system's architecture. The invention tackles the problems by introducing a smart, cost-effective controller that optimizes the use of solar power through intelligent load management, remote monitoring and real time environmental data analysis.
[0046] The system is designed (Fig. 1) to ensure that available solar energy is used efficiently, prioritizing critical operations while preventing energy and water wastage. The key components and features of the system include:
[0047] A. Intelligent Load management via priority scheduling: One of the major innovations is the priority-based scheduling algorithm. This algorithm categorizes the loads in the greenhouse (such as irrigation systems, ventilation fans, lighting, etc.) into three levels:
- i. Threshold Load: Operations that must run continuously (e.g., ventilation fans to maintain optimal temperature).
- ii. Mean Load: Operations that should run regularly but can be delayed if power is insufficient (e.g., irrigation).
- iii. Maximum Load: Non-critical operations that run only when excess power is available (e.g., lighting at specific intervals).
[0048] The controller dynamically adjusts the power distribution based on solar energy availability throughout the day. By giving priority to critical operations, the system ensures optimal energy usage and prevents load spikes that can result in higher energy costs or larger storage requirements.
[0049] B. Real-time monitoring of solar power and greenhouse conditions: The system uses voltage and current sensors to continuously monitor the output from the solar panels, ensuring that the available power is accurately tracked. Additionally, environmental sensors such as moisture sensors, temperature sensors and CO2 sensors-are used to monitor real-time conditions inside the greenhouse. This data is fed into a microcontroller that makes intelligent decisions about which loads to activate or delay, optimizing both energy and resource use. The loads are controlled through an electromagnetic relay which acts as a switch by connecting and breaking the circuit.
[0050] C. Remote monitoring and control through LoRaWAN: A LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) device is integrated into the system, allowing for remote monitoring and control of greenhouse operations. LoRaWAN is especially suitable for rural areas as it offers long-range communication without requiring an internet connection. Farmers can use this system to remotely adjust load priorities, monitor system performance, and receive real-time updates about energy availability and greenhouse conditions, thus reducing the need for manual intervention.
[0051] D. Cost-effective and scalable design: The system is designed to reduce the need for oversized battery banks and PV panels by optimizing the balance between energy demand and solar energy availability. This makes it more affordable for small and marginal farmers, allowing them to adopt greenhouse technology without high upfront investment costs. The scalable design means the system can be adapted for different greenhouse sizes and configurations, making it suitable for a wide range of agricultural applications.
[0052] E. Efficient resources management: In addition to energy optimization, the system integrates precise resources management, e.g. irrigation water management. The moisture sensor data is used to control irrigation systems, ensuring that water is only supplied when needed. This prevents over-irrigation, reducing water wastage and improving the water-use efficiency of the greenhouse. The system's ability to monitor both energy and water usage contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.
[0053] The proposed unit operates by harnessing solar energy to power greenhouse equipment efficiently. Solar panels generate electricity, which is stored in a battery via., a charge controller for use during periods of low sunlight. Environmental conditions, such as soil moisture, temperature and light intensity, are monitored using sensors. A microcontroller processes the sensor data and controls the greenhouse loads-such as the water pump, fan pad, and LED bulb-through a relay module based on a priority-based scheduling intelligent controller. This ensures that critical loads are activated when needed, optimizing energy usage and reducing waste. Additionally, a LoRaWAN module enables remote monitoring and control, allowing farmers to manage their greenhouse operations from a distance. The system's energy-efficient design ensures sustainable, cost-effective operations, minimizing water and power wastage while maintaining optimal growing conditions for plants.
[0054] The controller system starts with solar energy generated by the solar panel, which is regulated by the charge controller and stored in the battery (Fig. 2). This energy powers the various greenhouse systems, including irrigation, cooling and lighting systems. The microcontroller is central to the operation, receiving real-time data from environmental sensors such as the moisture sensor, temperature sensor, and light sensor. These sensors provide crucial information about the greenhouse environment, including soil moisture levels, internal temperature and light intensity. Within the microcontroller, the task manager module processes the incoming data and handles the decision-making process. It generates tasks based on sensor inputs (e.g., triggering irrigation if soil moisture is low), maps these tasks to appropriate loads, schedules them according to priority (e.g., prioritizing irrigation over lighting when energy is limited) and deploys the tasks by sending control signals to the relay module.
[0055] The relay module acts as a switch that controls the activation or deactivation of various loads ensuring efficient distribution of energy based on real-time needs. The system is equipped with LoRaWAN communication technology, which enables remote monitoring and control of the greenhouse operations. Farmers can view data such as current sensor readings, energy levels, and task statuses on a remote display via LoRaWAN. The signal lines in the diagram show the flow of data between the sensors, microcontroller, and relay module, while the power lines represent the distribution of solar power to the various loads.
[0056] The Priority-Based Solar Power Management System presents substantial economic potential and a range of commercial applications, particularly suited for small and marginal farmers in India. By optimizing solar energy usage, the system significantly reduces the need for oversized solar panels and battery banks, cutting initial investment costs by ₹4-6 lakhs, compared to conventional systems that typically cost ₹10-15 lakhs. Additionally, farmers can save ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh annually in energy costs by minimizing grid dependency and ₹15,000 to ₹75,000 in water expenses through optimized irrigation. Enhanced environmental control within greenhouses leads to a 15-20% increase in crop yield, which can generate an additional ₹2 to ₹3 lakhs in revenue per year. The payback period for the system is 3-4 years, making it a highly attractive investment compared to traditional solar systems, which take 5-7 years for returns. In terms of commercial applications, the system is ideal for the growing Indian greenhouse farming market, with the potential to generate ₹120 crores annually by capturing just 1% of the small greenhouse segment. In off-grid agriculture, particularly in rural regions with limited electricity access, the system offers a ₹4,000 crore market opportunity. It also aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), opening doors for funding from government programs and international agencies focused on climate-resilient agriculture. Overall, the system's cost-effectiveness, scalability and sustainability make it a powerful solution with the potential to tap into markets.
[0057] The Priority-Based Solar Power Management System for Sustainable Greenhouse Farming introduces several key innovations that require protection to safeguard its novel contributions. The most notable innovation is the priority-based scheduling intelligent controller, which dynamically manages greenhouse loads based on real-time solar energy availability and the criticality of each operation, ensuring that energy is used efficiently and wastage is minimized. Additionally, the system integrates real-time environmental data-such as moisture, temperature and light-with solar power management, enabling optimal control of energy-intensive operations like irrigation and ventilation by intelligent controllers. The integration of LoRaWAN technology offers an affordable and reliable solution for remote farming operations without the need for internet connectivity. Finally, the system's cost-effective and scalable design makes it accessible to small and marginal farmers, providing a modular approach that allows expansion based on the farmer's needs. These unique aspects combine creating a highly efficient, affordable and sustainable solution, distinguishing it from existing conventional systems and making them critical elements to protect.
[0058] The proposed innovation introduces a smart controller at the heart of the system, which dynamically manages the energy and resource needs of a solar-powered greenhouse. Unlike conventional systems that rely on static or manual load management, this controller uses a priority based scheduling controller to intelligently distribute solar power among different greenhouse loads, such as irrigation, ventilation, and lighting, based on real-time energy availability and the criticality of each operation. The controller continuously receives data from sensors monitoring moisture, temperature and light levels, allowing it to make precise decisions on when and how to activate these loads. During periods of low solar energy, the controller prioritizes essential functions like irrigation and ventilation while delaying non-critical operations, ensuring efficient energy usage and preventing wastage.
[0059] The system's controller is integrated with LoRaWAN technology, enabling remote monitoring and control without requiring internet connectivity, making it ideal for off-grid and rural applications. By optimizing energy distribution, the controller minimizes the need for large, costly battery storage and oversized solar panels, reducing both capital and operational expenses. This intelligent, real-time management of energy and resources sets the proposed solution apart, making it a highly efficient, cost-effective and scalable system for sustainable greenhouse farming. The developed model can use solar energy efficiently and reduce resource wastage. It decides the load scheduling automatically so minimizes the human intervention that led to cost saving. Integration of solar makes it self-reliant without depending on grid power. The use of the LoRaWAN gives an edge to this system because other devices require timely subscriptions to the internet to operate remotely which is an additional maintenance cost added to the existing devices. This device focuses more on the rural area where electricity is the main concern; also by reducing overall cost it can be affordable to the small and marginal farmers. This project has only an initial capital cost and almost no running cost.
[0060] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the 5 embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing the broadest scope consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims.
, Claims:We Claim:
1) A priority-based solar power management controller for sustainable greenhouse farming, the system comprises:
- a solar power system including solar panels, a charge controller, and a battery to store generated solar energy;
- a microcontroller configured to receive real-time environmental data from sensors monitoring temperature, moisture, light intensity, and CO2 levels within the greenhouse;
- a priority-based scheduling algorithm within the microcontroller that categorizes greenhouse loads into three levels: threshold load, mean load, and maximum load, and allocates power to these loads based on real-time solar energy availability.
2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threshold load comprises critical operations that must run continuously, such as ventilation fans, while the mean load includes operations that can be delayed if power is insufficient, such as irrigation systems, and the maximum load includes non-critical operations like lighting that runs only when excess power is available.
3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system further comprising:
- voltage and current sensors that monitor the solar panel output to track the available solar power;
- environmental sensors that measure moisture, temperature, and CO2 levels within the greenhouse;
- an electromagnetic relay that switches the loads on and off based on control signals from the microcontroller.
4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller processes the sensor data and uses a task manager module to make decisions on which loads to activate or delay, based on energy availability and load priority.
5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller generates tasks based on the sensor inputs, maps these tasks to appropriate loads, and schedules them according to the load priority before sending control signals to the relay module.
6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system further comprising a LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) communication module that enables remote monitoring and control of the greenhouse operations by the farmer, without requiring internet connectivity.
7) The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the LoRaWAN module allows farmers to remotely adjust load priorities, monitor system performance, and receive real-time updates on solar energy availability and greenhouse conditions.

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