Inspiration
Previously having plants of our own and over time progressively killing each plant one by one due to negligent watering practices. We wanted to devise a solution for those who falls into the same category but enjoy being in the presence of plants.
What it does
This alpha prototype provides heat, light, and water to a mid-sized plant such as a flower. The heat is able to provide warmth for the plant in cold ambient air such as that of during the night. The light provides an extra source of energy for the plant to grow, and the water is able to help the plant in its growth.
How I built it
We developed an Android app to act as a controller for a bluetooth-enabled Arduino; the Arduino's output signals are fed through additional power and drive circuits to power a 100 W Peltier plate, a high-efficiency LED array, and a ultrasonic piezoelectric element.
Challenges I ran into
- Creating the drive circuits
- Bluetooth connection between Android and Arduino
- Re-learning Android programming (It's been too long!!!)
- Getting the different voltages to work with one another
- Working with PNP
- Stacking BJT's
Accomplishments that I'm proud of
- Controlling a 100 W element from an Arduino
- Setting up the Android Studio SDK (every single time....)
- Finding alternatives to BJT drive circuits (solid-state relays)
What I learned
- More embedded programming and analog circuitry
- Using bluetooth and Android as a controller for a microcontroller
- PNP circuits
What's next for LazyPlantHydrat
- Doubling up on piezoelectric elements to produce a denser mist
- Creating an H-Bridge or similar to allow for cooling of air as well as heating
- Expanding to accommodate large-size plants
- Developing more compact circuitry
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