I.

Introduction

One thing that remains consistent is farming, and it continues to be an essential

staple for human life to thrive. [1] Agriculture is a crucial sector in society because it is the

only one that provides food and shelter to its people while also enhancing the ecology of

the land. On the other hand, farming, in general, is the practice of cultivating land and

raising animals to produce food for the purpose of sustaining and enhancing human life.

Nowadays, smart farming is becoming a common practice. The way modern farmers and

agriculture industries operate differs greatly from how they did in the past, largely due to

technological developments in the form of sensors, machinery, devices, and information

technology. This study was originally conceived with the aim of creating an automated

flowerpot. However, to enhance the significance and coherence of the concept, the

researchers transformed the idea by incorporating hydroponics.

Hydroponic systems are presently being experimented on and assiduously

employed in the available lands within the confines of the Philippines. [2] This type of

farming is a modern approach to verticulture, involving the cultivation of plants without

the use of soil. With this technique, crops are cultivated and nurtured in a water-based

environment. These crops are noted for their high efficiency and abundance of beneficial

nutrients. According to scientists, plants in the hydroponic method establish a direct

connection to their roots through an 'aqueous solvent,' bypassing the need for traditional

soil. The practice has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential for higher crop

yields, more efficient use of resources, and year-round crop production. [3]
Research Gap

The total land area of the Philippines is approximately 298,170 square kilometers.

About 41% only of the land is classified as agricultural land. [4] That is why in this paper,

the primary objective is to design a modern vertical farming system using hydroponics to

be placed in a non-controlled environment promoting a better solution to agricultural loss

caused by lack of cultivable land.

Land for agriculture is becoming limited in urban areas and the concept of vertical

farming could help increase land productivity. [5] The world’s population is expected to

increase by another 2 billion people by the year 2050 and eventually, it will lead to a bigger

challenge, feeding more people with limited land. [6] In addition, as urban areas are

expected to be more prone to air pollution, this increases their need for farming.

Fortunately, new farming technology, such as vertical agriculture, offers an excellent way

to meet these challenges and produce the food needed for future generations. [7] This

method of planting produces foods in vertically stacked layers instead of farming

vegetables or foods on a single level. This farming method results in more crop production

within the same square footage of the growing area. [8] Consequently, this can contribute

to space conservation, making urban areas more functional and conducive to well-being.

There are approximately 30 commercialized hydroponic farms and 120

uncommercialized hydroponic farms currently running in the Philippines. Hydroponic

farms were mentioned to be more profitable than conventional farms due to their cost-

effectiveness. This is causing a rapid increase in commercial hydroponic farming in the

country. [9]
 Beyond the issues mentioned, researchers strive to create a technologically

advanced system tailored for hydroponic farming, ensuring its utility. With that, here are

some factors that require additional research:

• Crop Selection: Numerous studies have indicated that hydroponic farming can

cultivate a diverse range of crops. However, due to limited time, it is important

for researchers to study on how to identify the optimal crops suited for

hydroponic systems.

• Plant Physiology: Hydroponics has been known in having the potential to

significantly increase plant yield. However, there is still a considerable amount

to discover regarding how plants react to the distinct environmental conditions

of a system without traditional soil.

• Energy Efficiency: Hydroponic system needs energy for its operation; thus, it

is important for the researchers to emphasize learning into enhancing as well as

identifying ways to reduce energy use through system design and operation.

• Economic Viability: As the primary goal of this study is to advocate for the

adoption of renewable energy through the utilization of solar panels, the

researchers need to evaluate both the costs and inherent benefits associated with

this approach.

Objective of the Study

This study is to develop a solar-powered hydroponics grow tower that grows

produce in layers that are vertically stacked in a non-controlled environment. This type of

farming system often involves cultivating plants with the goal of enhancing plant growth,

using soilless farming methods like hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics. However,
studies show that this relatively new agricultural concept (hydroponics) was proven to have

a higher yield compared to conventional farming techniques [10], such as increasing the

number of plants it grows. That means, in most cases, it could double the harvest from a

similar number of plants over the time it takes to grow in a traditional garden. This study

seeks to prove how hydroponic farming enables plants to grow at a faster rate when

compared to traditional soil-based farming methods. Additionally, the design of the vertical

grow tower incorporates solar power to enhance its cost-effectiveness. Solar energy plays

a pivotal role in this project for several compelling reasons. It aids in reducing energy

expenses, promotes sustainability, ensures a dependable power supply, enhances water

management, increases crop yields, and represents a durable, long-term investment.

Statement of the Problem

Sustainable urban farming and food production have gained significant attention

due to the adoption of vertical hydroponic systems in agriculture. However, the researchers

discovered various gaps and challenges in implementing this system. As a result, this

research aims to address the following:

1. Efficiency with regards to:

a. Water and Nutrients Utilization

b. Energy Consumption

c. Low maintenance

2. The effectivity in terms of:

a. Level of Production

b. Quality of Harvest

i. Number of Leaves
 ii. Taste

iii. Weight

3. How the end users attain and benefit from the system.

a. Improve the traditional farming using vertical hydroponics.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focuses on the benefits and advantages of smart farming, specifically the

utilization of hydroponics in vertical agriculture. Initially, the researchers intended to

cultivate four different types of plants. However, employing this method may pose

challenges in effectively harvesting fruits, given the varying durations of growth for each

plant. As a result, the research now centers around four varieties of leafy vegetables:

lettuce, petchay (pai-tsai), basil, and spinach. With this, the primary aspect of the research

will be based on both leaf sizes and the quality of the harvested plants. Moreover, to fully

assess the effectiveness of the system, the Department of Agriculture in Tarlac has agreed

to take on the responsibility of thoroughly testing the overall quality of the plants. Surveys

and interviews will also be conducted with individuals knowledgeable about planting.

Patent Research

Today, numerous machines and systems have already emerged and are currently

being implemented in the agriculture industry. Most of these devices are designed using

technology and are reinforced with mechanical instruments. In conducting this paper, the

researchers examined various patented studies and utility to acquire insights into the design

of the grow tower system.

 Among the previous studies was the innovation by Sperry et al., presenting a

vertical hydroponic growth system and method that includes a cylindrical enclosure and

incorporates automated features. [11] The enclosure serves as the greenhouse that can be

used for plant protection and climate control. This system is also made for controlled

environments due to the application of artificial lights, regulated temperatures, and

ventilation. Additionally, it is integrated with a rotating pedal and a user-interface device,

that can electronically communicate with the growth control system, using touch screen to

monitor and control parameters.

In addition, the Vertical Hydroponic Horticulture System, invented by Adrian L.

Wilton, is another good example of growing plants in a soilless-based system. It claims to

offer space-saving features and promotes improved convenience and recyclability. [12] It

as a flexible mesh envelope in a generally tubular configuration encapsulating a plant

growing medium, with an internal skeleton that may be a rigid pipe longitudinally

interposed within the mesh envelope that supports the mesh envelope enclosing the plant

medium from within the envelope. Consequently, the plants will grow outside the envelope

and extend through the perforations. The plant roots find support within the plant growing

medium, mainly water.

A utility model designed by Guo Zhiqian et al., presents a hydroponic device that

is specifically related to a kind of device used for plants such as hydroponic flowers, crop.

[13] The utility model serves to offer a hydroponic plant device where the nutrient solution

circulates automatically, eliminating the need for manual operation and oxygenation. The

targeted nature of the nutrient solution fertilizer ensures rapid plant growth, making the

system easy to operate.

 Upon learning, the researchers concluded that the studies and models mentioned

above have still the potential to be enhanced into a significantly more useful and

economical innovation. The study in development desires to maximize the utilization of

available natural resources by creating a grow tower that can be applied in a non-controlled

environment and adding solar panels as its power source. The research also addresses the

problem of insufficient agricultural space; therefore, the vertical hydroponics being

designed can grow four different types of plants in a single water tank. It also comes

equipped with a timer and various sensors such as water and pH level sensors, making it a

system with a minimal maintenance requirement. With all these enhancements, the

researchers are confident in developing the best product.

Figure 1: Process Flowchart of the Hydroponic Grow Tower

The image above illustrates the entire process of the hydroponic grow tower. This

system initiates as the solar panel absorbs natural sunlight, subsequently storing the

acquired energy in the battery. A charge controller is a crucial component in renewable

energy systems, especially those involving solar panels and batteries. Its primary function
is to regulate the charging process of batteries, ensuring they receive the optimal amount

of power without overcharging or causing damage. Once the battery is charged, it powers

up the microcontrollers and water pump. The water pump then delivers water to the grow

towers, completing the process and successfully maintaining the growth of hydroponic

plants.

Figure 2a: Mechanical Relationship of each component of the Hydroponic Grow

Tower

Figure 2.0 depicts the interconnection of the whole system. The solar panel, charge

controller, battery, and water pump are interconnected with wiring connections, ensuring

positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative alignments. Then, the water pump is directly

linked to the water tank, distributing water supply to the four grow towers. With all these

connections, the grow tower should successfully support the growth of hydroponic plants.
 Figure 2b: Schematic Diagram of pH Sensor using Arduino Nano

Figure 2 shows the detailed circuit diagram of the Arduino based pH sensor,

designed for the purpose of assessing the water acidity for the grow tower. In this circuit,

the Arduino Nano serves as the microprocessor for the pH sensor module. The connections

are as follows: Pins VCC, GND, SCL, and SDA of the OLED display are linked to pins

3V3, GND, A5, and A4 on the Arduino Nano, respectively. Additionally, the Arduino

Nano pins 5V, GND, and Ao are connected to the pH sensor pins V+, G, and Po. This

sensor monitors the acidity of the water flowing in the hydroponic grow tower.

Despite the benefits and advantages that hydroponics provides, there are still

inherent limitations to its capabilities. Automation is crucial for reducing human

intervention, but due to technical and budgetary limitations, many growers opt for partial

automation using electronic devices. Fully automated and electronically monitored

hydroponic systems tend to be costly. Aside from these, the main power source of the tower
is coming from the sun, thus, varying weather conditions will be a concern. Additionally,

the formation of algae is another issue that will be experienced. This is because of the build-

up of different microorganisms in the water. The pipes may eventually become brittle from

too much sun exposure, which might lead to cracks and water leaking. Poor engineering

construction of the design might also result in improper water distribution. These

anticipated issues can serve as an opportunity for the researchers to enhance the whole

quality of the system in the future.