Low-cost remote dosing system for carbon dioxide level control in the undercover cultivation

The article presents the possibility of using a cell phone to control the level of carbon dioxide in undercover tunnels and greenhouses. Studies show that increasing the level of carbon dioxide in the air under covers results in a significant increase in the yield of the crops produced. The proposed system is autonomous. Its essential element is the multimedia Raspberry Pi platform. Under the manufacturer’s assumptions, the Raspberry Pi is a microcomputer designed primarily for the operation of audio-visual equipment. It can also be used to build simple measurement systems and control systems such as the access control system. This article describes the basic features of the platform along with the extended modules. The proposed application is used to measure the CO2 content in the air in the cultivation tunnel. The system also measures temperature and relative humidity. The measured values are compared with the threshold values and the report is sent to the mobile phone selected by the user. The developed program reports on the values recognised as threshold ones. In response to the information received, the user may decide to remotely enable the increase of CO2 content in the air under cover. The motion sensor integrated with the system informs the user of the unauthorized entry into the controlled area. The latter element is considered a security element. While designing the system, a cost-minimisation principle of its adaptation was taken into account.