Cultivation chambers have been traditionally equipped with systems controlling temperature and light, based on automation features such as electric switches, thermostats, timers etc. These systems had various defaults, and were often prone to breakdowns. Introduction of computer based automation control allows for (1) better control and monitoring of the electrical temperature control mechanisms (cooling compressor and heating resistances) as well as of the lighting devices in the chamber, (2) capability of incorporation of elaborate environmental conditions control programs through the computer, (3) constant recording of the environmental parameters in the chamber and (4) capability to control/monitor locally as well as through the Internet.

We develop an application that introduces the use of digital control in two Rubarthβ cultivation chambers of the Department of Ecology and Taxonomy. The existing electrical automation systems are completely disconnected. The cooling compressor and the heating resistances of the chamber are interfaced to an electronic control circuit custom built by Link-Lab EPE. All the electrical modifications are applied by the same company. Temperature is controlled by PT-100 resistance-temperature detectors (RTD) as well as luminance detectors. The connection of the Link-Lab interface with a MS-WINDOWSβ 98 personal computer is done using Field Point Modulesβ , input-output switches by National Instruments. Actual control of the Field Point Modules and through them of the chamber environmental control devices, is done using the National Instruments LabViewβ 5.1 software system that allows for the creation of virtual instruments (VIs). The software is developed in such a way that the functions are controlled both through the local PC as well as through Internet.

One can look on what is monitored currently in the lab by clicking on this link.