Smart Hydroponic Living Wall Structure
As it is shown on the following figure, HiGreenWall‘s smart hydroponic living wall structure comprises of a hydroponic three-layered skin mounted on an initial sub-structure. The trapezoidal-shaped galvanized jambs, with 60cm intervals from each other, are first connected to the existing wall, and a PVC waterproofing panel, having a thickness of 16mm, is then mounted on the jambs by screws. All sides and joints of the PVC panel as well as surroundings of the screws are fully sealed by waterproofing glue. Three separate geotextile layers, having high tensile strength, are then attached as the hydroponic skin on the PVC panel, and the plant species are planted in a growth media inside some pockets made by cutting the last layer of geotextile. Before attaching the skin, a 16 or 32mm diameter pipe, having some drippers, is horizontally mounted at the top, and is connected to the main water+nutrients solution tank for irrigation and nutrition of plant species. There are also some specific sensors embedded within the skin to collect data, i.e. moisture, temperature, lighting, and the amount of nutrients. The collected data are saved on the memory of a smart controller, and are analyzed by a plant maintenance program which automatically controls the last status of plants species. The developed mobile phone App is used to automatically or manually set and monitor all the input and output parameters of the system by daily/weekly/monthly/annually sending data from the smart controller to the client’s mobile phone via push notifications of the App. Also, the mobile phone App alerts any probable problems related to electricity outage and/or water leakage through notifications. In fact, the smart system continuously monitors the user’s habit as well as the latest condition of the living wall, collects data, and uses the Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to automatically set the input parameters of the system. Moreover, through the manual controlling feature of the mobile phone App, it is possible to change the amounts of irrigation, nutrition, and lighting manually depending on user’s opinion.
Characteristics and Advantages
High Compatibility
HIGREENWALL’s smart living wall system has been designed for the regions having different climates. In other word, the system, having a smart controller, is compatible to any locations with any climates all around the world.
Smart Controller
HIGREENWALL’s smart living wall system has a central smart controller by which all the input and output parameters of the system may be set and monitored automatically; Thus, the smart system can guarantee the plants’ health.
Sound & Heat Barrier
HIGREENWALL’s hydroponic skin, made of three layers of thick geotextiles, together with the plants covering the skin are strong sound and heat barriers against the noise pollution and ambient air temperature.
Suitable Planting Environment
HIGREENWALL’s hydroponic three-layered skin provides a very suitable environment for the growth of plant’s root, and it makes it possible to cover the smart living wall using any plant species, even trees and shrubs.
Diverse Design
HIGREENWALL’s smart living wall system has the ability to be designed and installed on any existing wall or surface having any complicated shapes. Therefore, it is very easy to design living walls that were previously unimaginable.
Saving on Maintenance Costs
HIGREENWALL’s smart living wall system has the least need for maintenance operations (e.g. nutrients refilling, plants trimming, etc.), and it can save on maintenance costs by limiting the maintenance visits to only 6-12 times/year.