During the project, the consortium completed the development of the final fabrics features for the different crops' environment: specifically, detached soil implementations for Tomato and squash. The weaving structure for each crop was planned considering the required voltage, temperature and power. Several configurations were tested in a thermal power range between 300 – 1.600 W/m². Both technical performance and cost considerations were assessed.
The development and upgrade of AGROWFAB system control unit has transformed the ‘old’ method of control enabling a safer, more efficient and smart method of control. The previous control method was based on simple thermostat initiation; readings coming from temperature and humidity sensors placed in the heated crop beds engaged or disengaged the total system power according to pre-set cut-off values. In case of large surface systems, an analog timer was set to cyclically transfer power between predetermined zones.
The TCU (thermal control unit) was previously developed to modulate power based on specific zone parameters coming from the zone temperature and humidity sensors, allowing partial power regulation for maintaining steady state temperature at a certain zone.
The AGROWFAB consortium efforts and achievements, transformed the controlling approach which relays on deep understanding of soil parameter and the heat profile of AGROWFAB system underground.
A local controller has been fully developed, it is located on the end side of the plant bed or on the external side of the sprouting table, and it measures and collects the environmental conditions and controls the temperature accordingly to the local demand. The local demand pushes up to the MCU and prioritizes according to available power at a given moment.
We designed an experimental plan, including analytical methods, which serves as a guideline for the construction of the test sections and for the type and amount of data collection. This is used to conduct demonstrations of AgrowFab technology in real greenhouse environments and to monitor and validate its effect on crops’ yields and energy consumption.
Agrowfab systems was initially installed and tested during the Winter season in 2 main sites, 2 in Israel and 2 in Japan. In Israel, the system was tested in a nursery greenhouse for multiple crops, an energy consumption analysis was conducted against competitive technologies. The second test site in Israel was a strawberry greenhouse. In Japan, experiments were carried out in Tomato and Broccoli nurseries with growth comparisons done with existing methods.
During the final period of the project, Agrowfab B2B systems were installed in additional strawberry and pineapple greenhouses at Israel in addition to the already deployed system at the early adopter customer. All installations performed successfully during the winter season, proving that Agrowfab system is able to generate increased yield for strawberry as well as its potential use for off-season production. Our early adopters in Japan and Israel are aiming to enlarge their pilot installations. In preparation for the commercialization of the B2B product a new website has been launched and the consortium has planned to participate in trade shows for the coming 2 years.
COVID-19 pandemic brought economic activity to a near stand-still due to tight restrictions on movement. This represented a market opportunity for AGROWFAB team to launch a B2C AGROWFAB solution. The pandemic has created a growing market of home-gardening as people are growing herbs, fruits and vegetables in their own homes. Our AGROWFAB B2C solution is a modular, recycled planter kit which enables year-round crop growth with automated heating, irrigation and soil EC monitoring. We have branded the solution and prepared an online launch plan.
