same issue happens at the same time each day, the
controller will recognize the pattern and act intui-
tively to correct it. In this example, the atmospheric
controller would automatically turn on the air con-
ditioner or exhaust fan at 11:45 a.m.; just before the
temperature rises above the desired parameter. These
“smart” controllers provide the most consistent envi-
ronmental conditions possible.
Controlling CO 2
Not all indoor gardens or hobby greenhouses
have CO 2 enrichment as part of their ventilation sys-
tems. Gardens without CO 2 injection systems must
rely on fresh air intake as a way to replenish CO 2 in
the growing environment. Horticulturists who wish
to enrich the garden environment with CO 2 should
incorporate some sort of CO 2 control system. Most
modern atmospheric controllers come equipped with
built-in CO 2 control systems. There are also stand-
alone CO 2 control systems available. A good CO 2
controller will essentially automate the CO 2 system,
controlling both the concentration and the appropri-
ate times for operation. Plants thrive in consistent
environmental conditions and the concentration of
CO 2 needs to be consistent as well. The amount of
CO 2 in the growing environment is detected by a
CO 2 “sniffer”. The “sniffer” periodically samples the
atmosphere’s concentration of CO 2 and then sends a
signal to the atmospheric controller or independent
CO 2 controller. If the concentration falls below the
system’s set-point, the controller will then trigger the
CO 2 device to turn on.
Controlling and Monitoring from Remote
Locations
The newest and most exciting additions to venti-
lation automation are software-based control systems
18
and wireless garden devices. These systems serve the
same purpose as traditional automation equipment,
but provide additional control features, such as re-
mote access to the devices and data logging. In fact,
many of the new wireless automation devices can
be monitored and controlled from a mobile device.
This means that much of an indoor garden or green-
house’s ventilation system can be controlled from
anywhere a gardener can get an internet connection.
Perhaps the most distinct advantage of a wireless
automation system is that it allows the grower to log
signifi cant amounts of data that can later be reviewed
or compared. Comparing data from previous gardens
gives vital information to the gardener and allows
him or her to experiment with various techniques.
For example, data logging of CO 2 levels can provide
valuable information over the course of a few garden
cycles and help a gardener determine the optimal
concentration of CO 2 for his or her particular crop.
All in all, the ability to log and compare data over a
long period of time gives horticulturists the tools they
need to continually improve their craft.
Maintaining consistent temperatures, humidity,
and CO 2 levels within an indoor garden or hobby
greenhouse are just as important to the success of the
garden as lighting or nutrition. Indoor horticultur-
ists and greenhouse growers who use atmospheric
controllers will be able to automatically provide their
plants with the proper conditions for accelerated
growth. With the recent advancements in automation
technology, gardeners are able to monitor and con-
trol their garden’s atmospheric conditions from virtu-
ally anywhere in the world. Ventilation systems that
feature automated alerts can even notify the gardener
in emergency situations, thus saving the garden from
utter catastrophe. All in all, the more automated a
ventilation system is, the less a gardener has to worry
about the atmospheric conditions. Ventilation auto-
mation not only saves time and money, but also pro-
vides priceless peace of mind to indoor horticulturists
and greenhouse hobbyists.
Suggested Vendor Profi les
Smart Quibix
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face. The brains of
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
May 2018