An Efficient, Optimized and Solar Based Automatic Irrigation System using GSM Module

Abstract

The automatic solar-based irrigation system using a GSM modem is a novel solution to address the challenges faced by farmers in ensuring efficient use of water resources for crop cultivation. This system utilizes solar energy to power a water pump, which is controlled by a microcontroller. The GSM modem enables remote monitoring and control of the system, allowing farmers to receive real-time updates on the status of the irrigation system and make necessary adjustments as needed. The system also includes sensors to measure soil moisture levels and control the irrigation based on the crop water requirements, thus ensuring optimal water usage. This paper presents the design, development, and testing of the automatic solar-based irrigation system using a GSM modem, highlighting its potential to increase crop yields while conserving water resources.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Solar-based irrigation systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous benefits over traditional irrigation systems. These systems rely on solar energy to power water pumps and irrigate crops, making them a sustainable and cost-effective solution for farmers. In recent years, the integration of GSM modem technology has further enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of solar-based irrigation systems.

The GSM modem allows farmers to remotely control and monitor their irrigation systems through their mobile phones, providing real-time information on the system's performance, including water flow rates, pump status, and soil moisture levels. This technology has significantly reduced the need for manual monitoring and intervention, thereby saving time and resources for farmers.

As a result, solar-based irrigation systems with GSM modem technology have become an attractive research topic for agricultural researchers, engineers, and policymakers. In this research paper, we will explore the design, implementation, and evaluation of a solar-based irrigation system with GSM modem technology. We will also analyze the impact of this technology on agricultural productivity, water conservation, and energy efficiency. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of solar-based irrigation systems with GSM modem technology, which could help improve agricultural practices and contribute to sustainable development.

II. SCOPE

Solar-based irrigation systems using GSM modems have great potential in areas where electricity supply is limited or unreliable. These systems utilize solar panels to power the irrigation pumps and GSM modems to remotely control and monitor the system.

The GSM modem allows for remote control of the irrigation system, allowing farmers to turn the system on or off from a remote location, saving time and effort. Additionally, the GSM modem can provide real-time updates on the status of the irrigation system, including water levels, pump status, and other critical data. This information can help farmers optimize their irrigation schedules and prevent wastage of water.

Furthermore, the solar-based irrigation system using GSM modems can also be integrated with sensors to monitor soil moisture levels, temperature, and other environmental factors. These sensors can provide crucial data to farmers, allowing them to make informed decisions about irrigation scheduling and water usage.

In conclusion, the solar-based irrigation system using GSM modems is a highly efficient and cost-effective solution for irrigation in areas with limited or unreliable electricity supply. It offers farmers remote control and monitoring capabilities, real-time updates, and the potential for integration with environmental sensors, making it an attractive option for farmers looking to optimize their irrigation practices

III. HARDWARE COMPONENT

The technique use for automatic irrigation discussed in this paper are as follow.

1. Solar panel
2. Battery
3. PH sensor and breakout board
4. Moisture sensor
5. Arduino
6. GSM board
7. Motor pump
8. Solenoid valve
9. Charge controller
10. Display

A. Arduino

Arduino is genesis of the proposed system. . It is designed for creating interactive projects and prototypes that can sense and control the physical world. Arduino boards are equipped with microcontrollers that can read inputs from sensors and control outputs such as LEDs, motors, and other actuators. The Arduino software, or Integrated Development Environment (IDE), is used to write and upload code to the board.

One of the key features of Arduino is its flexibility and accessibility. It is designed to be easy to use for beginners, while also providing advanced users with the ability to create complex projects. The platform is supported by a large community of users who contribute to the development of libraries, code examples, and tutorials. This makes it easy for users to learn, troubleshoot, and share their projects with others.

Arduino boards are available in different sizes and configurations to suit different projects. The most popular Arduino board is the Arduino Uno, which is based on the ATmega328P microcontroller. Other popular boards include the Arduino Mega, which has more input/output pins, and the Arduino Nano, which is smaller in size.

Arduino has a wide range of applications, including robotics, home automation, wearables, and environmental monitoring. It is also used in education, both in formal and informal settings, to teach electronics and programming.

Overall, Arduino is a powerful and versatile platform that has revolutionized the world of electronics and programming. Its open-source nature and large community of users have made it accessible and affordable, making it an ideal tool for researchers, hobbyists, and educators. According to input code  microcontroller will if motors need to be turned on or off. It allows you to write and upload code to the board

Arduino Nano is a small, compact, and powerful microcontroller board that is designed to be used in a wide variety of applications. It is based on the ATmega328P microcontroller, which is the same chip used in the popular Arduino Uno board. The Nano has a compact form factor, measuring just 45mm x 18mm, making it ideal for use in small projects where space is limited.

The Arduino Nano has 14 digital input/output pins and 8 analog inputs, its 16MHz quartz crystal. It also has a USB interface for programming and serial communication, as well as a power jack for external power. The board can be powered through the USB interface or through an external power supply, making it versatile in terms of power supply options.

One of the key features of the Arduino Nano is its ease of use. It can be programmed using the Arduino software, which is an open-source development environment that allows users to write, compile, and upload code to the board. The software comes with a library of functions that make it easy to interface with sensors, motors, and other hardware components.

In addition to its ease of use, the Arduino Nano is also highly customizable. The board can be programmed using a variety of programming languages, including C++, Python, and Java, and there are numerous libraries available that provide additional functionality.

The Arduino Nano has a wide range of applications, including robotics, home automation, and sensor networks. It is also popular among hobbyists and educators as a learning tool for electronics and programming.

Its ease for use, small form factor, and customizable nature make it an ideal choice for researchers, hobbyists, and educators alike.

  B. Soil Moisture Sensor

A soil moisture sensor is a device that is used to measure the amount of water present in the soil. It is an essential tool for agricultural and environmental research as it allows for the precise measurement of soil moisture content, which is important for the growth and development of plants and other organisms.

Soil moisture sensors measure the electrical conductivity of the soil. It measure the electrical conductivity of the soil. In soil moisture sensor there are two or more electrodes that are inserted into the soil. When the soil is dry, there is a high resistance between the electrodes, which reduces as the soil becomes wetter. The sensor measures the resistance between the electrodes and calculates the moisture content of the soil.

Soil moisture sensors can be used in a variety of research applications, such as crop management, environmental monitoring, and soil science. They can provide researchers with accurate and precise data on the water content of the soil, which can be used to optimize irrigation schedules, reduce water usage, and improve plant growth and yield.

In addition to measuring soil moisture content, soil moisture sensors can also be used to monitor other soil properties, such as temperature and electrical conductivity. By integrating different sensors, researchers can obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the soil conditions and their impact on plant growth and development.

Overall, soil moisture sensors are an important tool for researchers who need to accurately measure soil moisture content. They are easy to use, affordable, and can provide valuable data that can be used to improve agricultural practices and environmental management.

C. Solar Panel

Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. They are commonly used to generate renewable energy for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Here are some key points to consider when researching solar panels:

Types of solar panels: There are mainly three types of solar panels:

1. (1) monocrystalline (2)polycrystalline and (3) thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are made up of single silicon crystal and they are the most efficient, but also the most expensive. Polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon crystals and are slightly less efficient than monocrystalline panels, but are also more affordable. Thin-film panels are made from a variety of materials, such as amorphous silicon, and are the least efficient, but also the least expensive.
2. Efficiency: The efficiency of solar panel depends upon sunlight that convert into electricity. The efficiency of solar panels typically ranges from 15% to 20%, with some high-end models reaching up to 25%.
3. Wattage: Solar panels are rated by their wattage, which refers to the amount of electricity they can produce under standard conditions. The higher the wattage, the more electricity the panel can generate.
4. Installation: Solar panels can be installed on rooftops, ground-mounted systems, or as part of a solar farm. The installation process typically involves mounting the panels onto a frame, connecting them to an inverter, and wiring them to the electrical grid.
5. Maintenance: Solar panels require very little maintenance, but regular cleaning and inspection can help ensure that they are working at peak efficiency. It's also important to keep the surrounding area free from shade, which can reduce the amount of sunlight the panels receive.
6. Cost: The cost of solar panels varies depending on the type, size, and efficiency of the panels, as well as the cost of installation. While solar panels can be expensive to install initially, they can save homeowners and businesses money on their energy bills in the long run.
7. Environmental impact Solar panels are clean and renewable source of energy. solar panel did not produce any greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution.. They can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable future.

D. Working Principle

An automatic solar-based irrigation system using a GSM modem typically works by using solar energy to power the system and a GSM modem to send and receive information about the irrigation process. The system is designed to monitor soil moisture levels and control the flow of water to the crops.

1. Here are the basic steps involved in the working principle of an automatic solar-based irrigation system using a GSM modem:
2. The system is installed in the field, and a solar panel is used to generate the power needed to operate the system.
3. The system includes sensors that measure the soil moisture level in the field. This information will sent to the microcontroller.
4. The microcontroller receives the soil moisture data and uses it to determine whether or not the crops need water. If the soil moisture level is below a set threshold, the microcontroller activates the water pump to begin irrigation.
5. The system also includes a GSM modem, which is used to send and receive information about the irrigation process. When the water pump is activated, the system sends a message to the farmer's mobile phone to let them know that irrigation has started.
6. The system continues to monitor the soil moisture levels and adjusts the irrigation schedule as needed to ensure that the crops receive the right amount of water.
7. The farmer can also send commands to the system via SMS to start or stop irrigation or to adjust the irrigation schedule.
8. Overall, an automatic solar-based irrigation system using a GSM modem is an efficient and cost-effective way to ensure that crops receive the right amount of water. The system uses renewable energy, and the GSM modem provides remote access to the system, making it easy for farmers to monitor and control the irrigation process.

IV. FUTURE WORK

Here are several potential areas of future work for a solar-based automatic irrigation system using a GSM module. Here are a few ideas:

Integration with weather data: One way to improve the system would be to incorporate real-time weather data to adjust irrigation schedules based on current and forecasted weather conditions. This could help conserve water by avoiding unnecessary watering during rainy periods, and ensure that plants receive enough water during dry spells.

Expansion to multiple fields or crops: Currently, the system is likely designed for a single field or crop. However, expanding the system to multiple fields or crops could be beneficial for farmers with larger plots of land or multiple crops that require different irrigation schedules.

Improvements to the GSM module: The GSM module is a key component of the system, as it allows the user to remotely monitor and control the irrigation system. Improvements to the module, such as increased reliability or faster data transfer speeds, could enhance the overall functionality of the system.

Integration with other IoT devices: The irrigation system could be integrated with other IoT devices, such as soil moisture sensors or weather stations, to further automate the irrigation process and provide more accurate data on plant health and moisture levels.

Optimization of solar power usage: Solar power is an excellent choice for powering the irrigation system, but it's important to ensure that the system is designed to optimize power usage. This could involve using more efficient solar panels, implementing energy-saving features, or adjusting the irrigation schedule to align with peak solar power production times. This project operates on solar power (DC power), it can be made to operate at AC power as well through two-way power supply system. Such that, motors operate on AC and in case of load shedding the motors take their input supply from solar circuit.

Conclusion

He automatic solar-based irrigation system using a GSM modem is a promising technology that can significantly reduce water consumption and improve crop yields. The system uses solar energy to power the irrigation system and a GSM modem to remotely control and monitor the system. The GSM modem allows farmers to receive alerts and notifications about the system\'s status and remotely turn the system on or off, providing them with more flexibility and control over their irrigation practices. Overall, this technology can lead to more sustainable and efficient agriculture, particularly in areas with limited water resources. However, further research and development are needed to improve the system\'s reliability and accessibility, particularly in remote or underdeveloped areas.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2023 Ritik Ueeke, Palay Dhamgaye, Suraj Ghyar, Rakesh Sirsikar, Pranay Punyapawar, Prof. Dr. G.H. Agrawal. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.