Performance assessment of smart indoor vertical farming integrated with the internet of things | |
| Author | Myo Myat Myat Soe |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.UI-25-01 |
| Subject(s) | Urban agriculture Internet of things Hydroponics |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Urban Innovation and Sustainability |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study investigates the performance, optimization, and feasibility of a smart indoor vertical hydroponic system for urban Butterhead lettuce cultivation. Designed to address challenges of urban food security, the system integrates sensor-based automation and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to regulate critical environmental parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and water levels in real time. A Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)-based vertical structure was implemented and monitored over a 46-day crop cycle. The system demonstrated strong performance, achieving a yield efficiency of 3443 g/m², nutrient-use efficiency of 2.26 kg/L, and energy-use efficiency of 0.0158 kg/kWh. Environmental control through IoT-enabled sensors maintained optimal growing conditions, and predictive maintenance features enhanced reliability. From an environmental perspective, the system operated without pesticides, consumed only 42 liters of water, and used 0.93 liters of nutrient solution per cycle, highlighting its resource efficiency. However, the economic analysis revealed a negative net profit of 560 THB per cycle, indicating limited financial feasibility at the current scale without further cost optimization or premium pricing strategies. Limitations included the absence of automated temperature and humidity regulation and a focus on a single crop type. The findings suggest that while the system offers promising environmental and technical advantages for sustainable urban farming, further enhancements in yield scalability, cost reduction, and integration with renewable energy sources are needed to support widespread adoption in smart city contexts. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Urban Innovation and Sustainability (UIS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Pramanik, Malay |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra Prasad;Himanshu, Sushil Kumar |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |