Smart glass for urban farming

• Main Author: Lock, Brandon Shun Kiat
• Other Authors: Lee Pooi See
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Materials::Composite materials; Science::Chemistry::Organic chemistry::Polymers
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/166272
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Reversible Electrochromic Mirror devices (REMs) can demonstrate reversible changes in optical properties from a transparent state to a coloured state and finally to a mirror state which changes the optical transmittance property of the device. This adjustable property allows the control of incoming solar radiation and light intensity and can be utilized in various applications such as energy-saving architectural structures, automobiles, dynamic windows, and optically tuneable materials. This study aims to utilize REMs to optimize lighting efficiency for the growth of plants in an indoor farming environment. REMs were used in conjunction with a hydroponics grower to observe the growth cycle of the Komatsuna, a Japanese mustard spinach. 2 sets of 4 samples were used, one under the influence of the REM device, while the other was grown under the regular hydroponics lighting conditions. The plants were observed over a 22-day period and results showed that plants under the influence of the REM had better plant yield in terms of leaf area and growth rates. It also concluded that by regulating the state of the REM device to -2.5V for 60s and resting for 29mins allowed the plants to reach optimal growth rates that produced leaves ranging from an increase in leaf area of up to 109% as compared to the largest non-REM influenced plant.