In the heart of Montreal, Quebec, a groundbreaking innovation is set to revolutionize the way we think about sustainable agriculture and energy management. Tuan Minh Tran, a researcher at the Department of Electrical Engineering at École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS), has unveiled a novel concept that could redefine the future of smart greenhouses and microgrids. His work, published in IEEE Access, introduces a Near-Zero Energy Smart Greenhouse Integrated into a Microgrid (SGIM), a system designed to optimize energy and microclimate management for sustainable agriculture.
Imagine a greenhouse that not only grows crops but also generates its own power, regulates its internal environment with precision, and minimizes reliance on external energy sources. That’s exactly what Tran and his team have achieved. The SGIM integrates photovoltaic (PV) panels, a micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) unit, and an energy storage system, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that delivers efficient, localized energy generation and management.
The secret sauce behind this innovation lies in the use of advanced control systems. At the core of the SGIM is a Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) system that regulates critical microclimate parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, CO2 concentration, and lighting intensity. This sophisticated control system minimizes a cost function encompassing multiple objectives and constraints, ensuring that the greenhouse operates at peak efficiency. “The NMPC system allows us to predict and adjust the greenhouse’s energy needs in real-time, ensuring that we are always operating at the most efficient levels,” explained Tran.
To enhance control precision, the SGIM employs an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) that addresses measurement errors and model noise. This dual-approach ensures that the greenhouse’s environment is maintained at optimal levels, even in the face of external variables. According to Tran, “The EKF helps us achieve a level of precision that was previously unattainable, making the SGIM a truly smart and adaptive system.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, the SGIM represents a significant step towards decentralized, renewable energy generation. By integrating renewable energy sources and advanced control systems, the SGIM reduces the need for grid power imports, lowering both energy costs and carbon emissions. This approach not only benefits the environment but also offers a compelling economic argument for adopting such systems.
The SGIM’s ability to meet over 83% of its energy needs through local generation, with only 3.8% sourced from the external grid, underscores its potential for widespread adoption. This near-zero energy consumption model is not only sustainable but also scalable, making it suitable for various greenhouse types and sizes. As the demand for sustainable agriculture grows, the SGIM could become a cornerstone of future farming practices, reshaping the way we produce food and manage energy.
Tran’s work, published in IEEE Access, opens the door to a future where greenhouses are not just places for growing crops but also hubs for sustainable energy production. As we look towards a more sustainable future, the SGIM represents a beacon of innovation, guiding us towards a world where agriculture and energy management go hand in hand. The potential commercial impacts are vast, with the energy sector poised to benefit from the integration of such advanced systems into existing infrastructure. The SGIM is more than just a technological advancement; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and a step towards a greener, more sustainable world.