Our smart irrigation and nutrient monitoring system is built around the ESP32, which serves as the central controller. It manages all sensor readings, controls the actuators, and communicates with the cloud platform.
Sensor Integration
- All sensors are directly connected to the ESP32 for precise real-time readings.
- We use:
- Air temperature and humidity sensors
- NPK nutrient sensor, connected via RS485 > UART converter
- Soil moisture sensor, connected to an analog input
Actuator Control with Protection
- The valve, mix motor, and water pump are controlled through relays.
- Each relay is protected by a diode, preventing voltage spikes (flyback) and reducing wear and tear on the switching components.
- This setup ensures longer life and stability for high-current components
Nutrient Dosing Motors
- The nutrient dispensers (motors) are controlled using NPN transistors, acting as electronic switches.
- This allows for efficient and low-power activation of multiple dispensers from the ESP32’s digital outputs.
Multi-Voltage Setup
- The system uses three power sources:
- 3.3V for sensitive sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity) and ESP 32
- 5V dispensers motors and relays
- 12V/230V for actuators like the water pump and mixing motor
This multi-voltage design ensures each component receives the appropriate voltage, preventing malfunctions.